6 Pre-Bedtime Mistakes You're Probably Making

Here’s a question. What’s your bedtime routine? Are you someone who is so exhausted by the end of the night that you’re lucky to take off all of your clothes, let alone your make-up? Do you put a lot of thought into what you’re wearing to bed? How about the electronics in your bedroom? Do you fall asleep checking your Twitter or forget to turn off your television while you’re remote surfing?

Just like you need to do certain things in the morning so that your day starts off right, there are also habits that should be put into practice as you’re getting ready for bed. Things that will prep your body and give you sound sleep. Things that, if you’re not making a habit, are actually pre-bedtime mistakes.

1. You're not washing/brushing with the right stuff

If you’re washing your face before going to bed, you’re doing better than a lot of women. Some don’t make it as much of a priority as they should. Aside from the make-up that might be on your face that could clog up your pores, there's dirt and debris that has accumulated on your skin too. It’s important to wash all of that away before turning in. Make sure not to use soap. That will dry out your skin and can speed up the aging process. You need to cleanse your face with a product that moisturizes it too. Great news? You can make it yourself, one that works no matter what your skin type is. For a recipe with shea butter, avocado oil and honey, click here. As far as your teeth, please brush them! Bacteria accumulates throughout the night; ones that can lead to bad breath and decay. By the way, something you can do to avoid morning breath is to gargle with baking soda and water. It helps to kill bacteria instantly.

2. You're eating too soon before bed

Some nutritionists will tell you that calories don’t tell time. Meaning, whether you eat poorly at noon or 9pm, it can still pack on the pounds. But there are three things to remember about eating without a couple of hours of turning in. It can lead to overeating. It can ruin your breakfast appetite (and everyone needs to eat breakfast for morning fuel). It can also cause your body to work overtime to digest your food, which can disrupt your sleep. So, try and have a healthy dinner and if you want something to snack on before turning in, a handful of blueberries, a piece of dark chocolate or some Greek yogurt are wise choices. All are foods that low in calories, have antioxidants and can also fill you up.

3. You're surfing on your smartphone

You might not be talking to anyone late at night, but if you’re ‘net surfing or checking your Instagram, it still keeps your mind going. There are also studies that indicate looking at your lit screen can make it harder to fall asleep. No one needs to go to bed with their phone. It’s a good idea to power it down about an hour before you get in the bed and not turn it back on until morning. If the thought of that freaks you out, then you really need to do it. Cell phone addiction is real. It’s costing a lot of people much-needed rest.

4. You're sleeping in your underwear

ALL of your body needs to breathe. One part that doesn’t get to during the day is “down below” because you have underwear on. We recommend sleeping in the nude. Since your vaginal area is naturally moist (which is a good thing), that can be a breeding ground for bacteria if it doesn’t get any air. Sleeping without any clothing on can remedy that. (If you don’t feel comfortable being nude, put on cotton underwear; avoid nylon or polyester blends.)

5. You're not using an essential oil

Essential oils not only smell divine. They can significantly improve the quality of your sleep too! Unfortunately, a lot of people don’t know that. Now you do. Lavender, Roman Chamomile, Bergamot, Sandalwood and Rose are all scents that will calm you. You can put a few drops into your bathwater and/or on your pillowcases. You’ll sleep like a baby.

6. There's no fresh air

The main reason why indoor pollution is 3-5 times higher than outdoor pollution is because we never open up our windows to let fresh air in. Cracking a window in your bedroom can help you to breathe easier. It can also regulate the temperature in that space since body temps tend to rise throughout the night. It’s a healthy way to take better care of your body and reduce your electricity bills too. Sweet dreams.