I’ve struggled with terrible insomnia for the past few years, and it was driving me crazy. But after experimenting with different evening routines, I finally found one that actually works. Now, I fall asleep quickly, and when I wake up, I feel refreshed and energized—something I never thought would be possible. If you’re also struggling with insomnia or just looking to improve your nighttime routine, I hope sharing mine might help. Of course, everyone is different, but maybe some of these habits will help you fall asleep faster too!
My Cozy Evening Routine
Getting Comfy
I usually get home between 7:30 and 8:00 PM, quickly grab something to eat, and then start my evening routine. The first step? Getting comfy. Pajamas, Snuddie, jogging pants—anything warm and cozy. There’s just something about changing into soft, oversized clothes that instantly helps me unwind.
Simple Beauty Routine
My evening skincare is pretty minimal. I cleanse my face with water and a gentle cleanser, then apply either a vitamin C cream or my retinol serum—most of the time, I go with retinol. Sometimes, I take a few extra minutes to massage my face with my hands, a gua sha stone, or a face roller. Since I tend to clench my jaw a lot, this really helps relax my muscles. As for the rest of my body, I prefer showering in the morning, but I always apply some body lotion before slipping into my cozy clothes.
Setting the Mood
I love creating a cozy atmosphere—it makes relaxing even easier. I usually light a candle (there’s something so calming about watching the flame flicker), make a cup of tea, and grab a blanket. Chamomile is my go-to for sleep, but I switch it up depending on my mood. And yes, I’m one of those people who use a blanket year-round. Cozy vibes are non-negotiable!
Planning for the Next Day
Once I’m fully relaxed, I like to make my to-do list for the next day. I’m not the best at estimating how much I can get done—I either overestimate or underestimate—but I’ve learned to be flexible. If I don’t finish everything, I just roll it over to the next day. No stress. I prefer writing my list on paper, not because I’m old (haha), but because crossing things off is just so satisfying. Plus, I like spending time offline, and a little notebook helps with that.
Reading & Unwinding
By now, it’s usually around 8:30 or 9 PM, and this is when I shift into turning-my-brain-off mode. I try to start this part as early as possible because I need time to fully unwind. Reading helps me do that. I used to struggle with insomnia because my mind wouldn’t stop overthinking, but this routine has completely changed that. I read for an hour to an hour and a half, and most nights, I fall asleep mid-chapter with my e-reader still in my lap. Bonus: this habit helps me get through so many books! Last year alone, I read 70 books just by sticking to this routine.
And that’s my current evening routine! On weekends, it’s pretty much the same, just a little earlier. Even then, I stick to my 10-10:30 PM bedtime—it’s the best thing I’ve done for my sleep, and if you struggle with falling asleep, I highly recommend keeping a consistent nighttime routine.