Bedtime for grown-ups
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Actually Good Things is a weekly newsletter written by a non-AI being who has skin and breathes oxygen. (Used to go without saying, but here we are.)
This week—while reading too many analyses of Disney executives’ casting and canceling decisions and watching the HBO Harry Potter trailer on repeat—I’m offering a play-by-play of my bedtime routine.
The concept of the “bedtime stack” recently came across my feed. Though I (and probably many others like me) have been doing this for years, I’m glad it’s reached cultural relevance.
I wrote about my favorite sleep stuff already. Today, you’ll get very specific details on what I do before conking out.
Once both my kids are in bed (usually by about 8 p.m.), it’s on. Here are actually good things I use to savor bedtime.*
Jammies + undies
First, I slip into something more comfortable. Nuuds short-sleeve pajamas are ideal for spring and summer.
For undies, it’s gotta be all-cotton granny panties (respect to any grandmothers reading this). Arq is arguably the best, though they’re spendy. These affordable Amazon ones are really good—I’ve purchased the five-pack three times.
Soft socks are a nonnegotiable, and they can absolutely be ugly and inexpensive.
Skincare
Then I do my nighttime skincare routine, often with my iPad propped up on the vanity so I can watch TikTok.
Right now, it’s this Korean cleansing balm. If I’m wearing makeup and need to double-cleanse, I reach for this surprisingly affordable Estée Lauder face wash.
Other currents include a calming toner, Mantle’s Organ Essence (made from the tissue-preserving stuff that hearts are stored in before transplants), and barrier-supporting moisturizer.
See my skincare letter for more steps and product recs.
Sleep supplements
Then, depending on how I’m feeling, I’ll take wind-down supplements or sleep meds.
I like Solaray’s SleepMag, Unisom SleepGels, and Lemme Sleep Tight Gummies. But not every night and not all together.
This is extremely specific, but I wash it all down with water from a cup that won’t break if it falls on the bathroom tile.
Tech + a little treat
After flipping off the overhead light and flipping on the salt rock lamp, I cuddle into bed and either watch a mellow show or read a book on my Kindle while my Eight Sleep preheats.
(I like to start on +4 with the Eight Sleep, then it goes down to +1 when I’m asleep. Pretty sure my husband’s side starts at -1 and stays in the negatives throughout the night.)
A few nights a week, I use a red light mask. This one from Lifepro is reasonably priced and has wavelengths within the range shown in studies to offer skin benefits.
I prefer to enjoy dessert in bed rather than at the table right after dinner. It’s usually a few chunks of Tony’s chocolate or a See’s lollipop.
Elite oral hygiene
When I’m done with my treat, I get up to tend to my teeth.
Currently using this cool-girl toothpaste and this toothbrush, whose battery lasts a whopping 40 days on a full charge.
Double-string flossers are my go-to. For extra credit, a pre-bed fluoride rinse.
See my oral hygiene letter for more ways to nerd-out on teeth health.
Nightstand skincare
At some point, I’ll grab a lip balm or sleeping mask from my nightstand drawer. A stick of Drunk Elephant Lippe will always live there. Feeling bougie? This exosome lip treatment will do you right.
I’ve been trying to use retinoids regularly on my arms and legs. Nécessaire’s Body Retinol is really nice—and looks chic sitting out. (Paula’s Choice is also good and a little under half the price.)
Lights out
Lastly, I turn on this sleep-inducing red light pod that gradually fades to dark while I read for a few more minutes on my Kindle (on dark mode) or set the TV sleep timer for 30 minutes.
I’m really specific about my noise machine. Brown noise is preferred because it’s heavier on low frequencies and has fewer high frequencies. Something with a built-in fan works best, like the Snooz—pricier than average but worth it.
I’ve been using the Coop cut-out pillow. At first, the shape didn’t make sense to me, but it actually cradles my neck from both sides while supporting my head.
*Some products with affiliate links might earn me a small commission. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
What I’m reading lately:
Best Offer Wins, a novel by Marisa Kashino
Newsweek | ‘Hotel Room Service’ trend? Woman’s Version of ‘Bed Stacking’ Goes Viral
What I’ve written lately:
The Daily Beast | This Dermatologist-Designed Facial Device Is a Triple Threat
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