What is SLEEP? MOM life real talk!
As a person who struggles with anxiety, sleep has been a “situation” my whole life. From racing thoughts while trying to drift off, to then trying to stay asleep…. and get back down, to getting in bed early enough for those golden “eight hours” ….sleep has always been a challenge. Of course, there have been points in my life where I experienced ease with sleep ( ahem pregnancy…), but they have always been fleeting. More often than not, I used to find myself during the day both exhausted and anxious - worried if I’d be able to “catch up” on sleep from the night before. Now, having two kids under the age of five (sharing a room might I add) a night of true deep restful sleep can feel somewhat…well…impossible.
Over the years, I’ve tried everything from prescription medications to holistic remedies to ease myself to dream land; and what I will say is that like so much of my life journey, I have had to find my own way to imperfectly shift my sleep patterns. I don’t have perfect sleep hygiene, but I have found what works. For me it’s about slowing my self down as I approach that time of night and pampering myself in bed. Pre-bedtime is where I MUST put the phone down and pick up on my self-care so I can ease my way to sleep. I do everything from meditation, to drawing a bath, to lathering up in sleepy oils, to reading and of course cozy-ing up in yummy jammies.
My routine shifts from night to night, because no day is ever the same, but the brands I'm including below are the ones I’ve found to be game changers for me. I hope they are for you too. Now go #beyourbestself !!
Xoxo, Amy
Live Awake Meditation
This meditation I was past through a friend. Her voice is the MOST soothing and has potent, powerful and poetic (three p’s!) messages that ground me and get me back into my body. This specific meditation reminds me that my life is SO sacred. This is how I love to approach my sleep routine. I hope you enjoy as much as I do.
donate to:
1. OSEA Vegan Nerve Pillow Mist
Oh how I love this brand. Vegan, Cruelty free and California made. How could you go wrong? In terms of sleep, their Pillow Mist is my absolute jam. There are SO many pillow mists on the market, but this one It soothes your Vagus Nerve leading to deep relaxation throughout you hole body ( one function of the Vagus nerve is to lower your resting heart rate) . Plus, nothing feels better that cozying up on the scent of Chamomile, Lavender and Lemon Tea Tree and drifting off the sleep.
2. Quince Sheets
This brand is all about making luxury items at an affordable price. They are sustainably made and the same quality (or better in my opinion) as leading luxury brands. And let me tell you, their sheet sets are no exception. Seriously. These sheets make my bed my happy place. Soft and stylish, they come in all types of materials. My favorite are the Bamboo.
3. The Great
By women for women. Gosh, the great is such a GREAT brand. All puns intended. Its PJ collection is my go to when it comes to sleep. Soft, cozy, stretchy, flow-y and above all STYLISH. Mix and match as you wish because these are the perfect jammies to sleep…and occasionally make a lazy Sunday trip to the local super market in.
4. Why We Sleep
A total must read. I had a friend recommend this books to me. It’s so easy to push sleep and bed times when life gets busy. This book gets down and dirty with why sleep and while its one of the most important acts of self care we can do. Dr. Matt Walker is a neuroscientist and sleep researcher that takes you on a journey into the inner workings of something we spend half our life doing.
5. LATHER Quiet Night Relaxing Balm
Who would’ve thought LATHER-ing up my wrists would become part of my night time routine? Not me, but it has and it’s real LIFESAVER. Lather Night Relaxing Balm is made of lavender, ylang ylang and calendula essential oils. They’re all natural products which help balance my energy and anxiety before drifting off to dreamland.
6. KAMU
Talk about drifting off to dreamland. Bless Kamu. It’s so important for me to be as natural as possible. That includes my sleep. Being a mom has upped my anxiety and killed a good nights sleep. This product has CBD, California Poppy (oh, hello Dorothy), Lavadin, Adaptogens and Melatonin to ease sleep without any harsh chemicals or pharmaceutical drugs.
7. Electric Love NYC
I’m so in electric love with ElectricLoveNYC. Made of elemental materials these beautiful dream catchers are hand crafted in Brooklyn by a husband and wife duo Hitomi Matarese & Charlie Walker. I have THREE of these. I love having this in my space (and my kids’ space) as I’m working through my bedtime routine.
8. Caddis
Blue Light, WHAT? In the past year blue light glasses have become a household accessory since we ALL BE LIVING on those screens. Blue light causes strain on our eyes and can disrupt our sleep patterns. Caddis is here to help with that with that! Their Frequency Lenses block up to 45% of rays without sacrificing style. Jamie and I both rock these all evening long :)
9. CALM
This CALM magnesium powder is a before bed essential. Magnesium has been shown to help support your adrenals. Drink it in a bit of warm water before bed and BAM…insert the most the most deep restful sleep without any of the melatonin grogginess.
10. Indie Lee
Plant based products committed to transparency and education on what we put in our bodies. Sign me up! Indie Lee facial oil is my go to night oil. It’s smells SO good and feels light and moisturizing. Use by itself or get your favorite gua sha stone for a deep facial massage. I also use their nighttime body oil and sleep soak. Absolutely divine.
