My Sleep Musts

If I had to explain my relationship with sleep I would have to say,

“It’s Complicated.”

Even as a child I had a hard time getting to sleep and an even harder time staying asleep. I began taking sleeping pills in high school. And though they helped, every morning I’d wake up just a little less exhausted than the night before. 

When I discovered I was pregnant I knew that I had to try falling asleep naturally. It wasn’t easy, and I still have some tough nights, but I definitely have an easier time getting to bed. And it’s thanks to my sleep musts, the products that I use to get my beauty rest. 

Comfy, Breathable PJs

You have to wear something comfortable to bed whether it’s a pair of pajamas, a nightgown, an oversized tee or, à la Marilyn Monroe, nothing at all. 

Good, Seasonally Appropriate Sheets

Cotton sheets are very breathable making them a great choice for summer bedding. Switch to fleece or flannel in the winter for extra warmth. One of my favorite feelings is sliding into a bed with freshly washed sheets. It’s amazing. 

A Silk Pillowcase

To reduce hair frizz and breakage and to keep wrinkles at bay, you need a silk pillowcase. Ever since I switched to silk I’ve noticed that my blowout lasts longer and my hair is noticeably well, silkier! I also don’t wake up with pillow lines on my face. 

A Weighted Blanket

I invested in a weighted blanket three years ago and the only nights I’ve slept without it since is when I’ve been on vacation or in the hospital giving birth to Arielle. It uses a calm-inducing amount of pressure on the body which makes you feel like you’re being hugged. There are guidelines on how heavy the blanket should be based on your weight. I have a 12lb blanket and it’s perfect. 

A Lavender Weighted Eye Mask

I just recently started using a sleep mask and when I realized that I was able to sleep longer by wearing it, I decided to step it up a notch. This lavender weighted mask is therapeutic with its soothing scent and gentle pressure on the eyes. 

A Humidifier

Do you ever wake up with a dry throat in the winter? That’s because the cold air is so dry. The best way to avoid this is to invest in a good humidifier. It also keeps your skin from drying out overnight, keeping you looking young. They come in different sizes to fit the square footage of your room, so make sure you check the size you need before you go out and buy one. 

A Water Carafe and Glass

You’ve gone all night without drinking water so most likely you’re waking up dehydrated. Before you have your morning coffee, drink a full glass of water from this gorgeous art-deco carafe. Not only will you feel much more awake and refreshed, it’s a beautiful display piece. Bonus points if you add a slice or two of lemon and let it steep overnight.

These are the products that are threatening my eye cream’s place in my beauty regimen, even as the mom of an almost 20-month-old. What are the products that you can’t sleep without?