How I found sleep through nighttime rituals that truly work

Sleep, considered by many (including me) as mere downtime, is finally getting the spotlight it deserves. I used to try my best for the coveted eight-hour bracket, but never quite managed it. Between “just one more chapter” and “just an hour on the phone”, sleep was an afterthought at best, a neglected aspect at most. Yet, I now find myself yearning to make the most out of the most fundamental concept of wellness. Far from the madding culture of hyper-productivity, I’ve discovered that a neroli-scented world of indulging in stillness awaits.

In a world that celebrates doing, I’ve started finding joy in simply being. In all honesty, nothing feels more indulgent than permitting yourself to rest. My rituals of self-care have evolved from kale smoothies and screen-free days to discovering the relaxing pleasures of 800-thread-count sheets and scented silk pillowcases. These intentional bedtime rituals lull me into a safe space of nighttime calm after the daytime chaos.

Cradled by calmness

Let’s start with the fundamentals: freshly laundered and perfumed bedsheets are the most seductive invitation to wind down. Stalwarts like Frette and Pratesi offer the finest linen, light and thin, where my bed feels as soft as spun gossamer. Depending on your preference, you can choose from a range of pure cotton to percale and sateen blends. The former is remarkable for its crisp and fresh texture, whilst the latter is lustrous and smooth. I’ve discovered other options as well, most notably bamboo silk and eucalyptus weave, that can further transform your bed into a five-star retreat.

Soft, scented lullabies 

 

A true elevation within the sleep experience has been the addition of sleep spritzes to my routine. Olfactory wellness is one of the most premium ways to descend into sweet dreams. Relaxing scents like lavender, chamomile, bergamot, and jasmine are well-known to lift spirits and ease the mind. I’ve discovered other powerful scents too: think sandalwood, mint and vetiver, that are on the verge of becoming cornerstones in sleep-specific perfumes. These fabric mists go a step beyond just smelling divine; using them regularly before sleeping helps your mind associate them with a sense of calm and wellness, deeply necessary for restorative sleep.

 

Bedtime wellness rituals

 

 

Yes, we cleanse, tone, and pat in our moisturiser. Yet, have we ever paused to think about how we’re caring for our sleep? While we rest, our bodies are doing the deep work of healing and renewal. Just as a skincare routine helps ease the body into a softer rhythm, creating intentional sleep rituals can calm the mind, create distance from the day’s noise, and gently prepare us for deep, nourishing rest.

I’ve enjoyed creating a variety of tranquil evening rituals. A few of my favourites: a magnesium-infused bath to help reduce stress and muscle tension. Reading a chapter from my tottering to-read pile, and then one from an old favourite before I turn down the lights. A sip of something soothing. The spotlight is on our latest adored Ayurvedic offering to the world: moon milk. Here’s how to make it: blend warm milk or non-dairy milk with calming botanicals like ashwagandha, turmeric, and cinnamon. The aroma alone feels like a gentle exhale. It’s soothing, simple, and guides me towards rest that is truly restorative.

Designed for dreams 

 

The world is finally putting sleep at the centre of wellness, where it belongs. What we surround ourselves with is essential for a good night’s sleep. From the colour palette of the walls to the art it is adorned with, everything plays a role in our sleep story. Interior stylists have received the memo and are designing spaces optimised for sleep, such as circadian-friendly lighting, natural textures and acoustic insulation. Tech brands even offer gentle, sunrise-like lights and custom, adjustable curtains.

Rituals are infamous for taking a backseat on vacation, but with sleep concierge services, that’s helpfully no longer the case. Luxury hotels around the globe are taking a step forward to reimagine the hotel stay as an experience beyond just accommodation to a sleep-centric sanctuary. From restorative sleep suites complete with smart beds that adjust pressure and temperature throughout the night, to custom bedtime routines with meditative podcasts, herbal tinctures and pillow menus, from morning yoga calls to evening nutrition consultations and spa therapies, sleep wellness is the star feature.

 

Wellness, increasingly, is about luxurious rest. We’re all set to enter an era where sleep isn’t sacrificed—it’s sanctified. After all, winding down isn’t just the end of the day, it’s the most nurturing part of it—a soothing pause that is desired, decadent and ultimately, essential. 

 

Lead image: Getty Images

 

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