What's Your Bedtime Routine?

What helps you wind down at the end of the night? As part of AOL Huffington Post Media Group's "Great Wake Up Challenge" with Lark, our sleep blogger asked you to share your answers to that question (with the added bonus of entering for a chance to win a great pair of Sheex sheets).

Here, some of our favorite answers, from the funniest ("Married With Children" marathons anyone?) to the most relaxing (we'll be trying that lavender spray!).

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Comments

[Willow712]

04:27 PM on 10/31/2011

I have a sleep disorder, narcolepsy. My bedtime routine is, no sugar or caffeine or food after 7 pm. I take my Xyrem at 930 pm, check my email, let the dogs out, go to the bathroom, hit the bed and sleep until about 3 minutes before my alarm goes off for my second dose. I take my second dose, go right back to sleep, and wake up about 3 minutes before the alarm goes off. I go to bed at the same time every night and wake up the same time every day, even weekends or holidays. I keep my bedroom as cool as possible, in the winter, the thermostat is set at 50 deg. but it never gets that low (I have great insulation and windows). In the summer, I have a window AC unit in my window, keeping it cool at night.
I found out I had narcolepsy and in the testing, found out I was waking up 16 times an hour all night long, yet going right into REM sleep during the day. Xyrem has been my lifesaver. I used to take melatonin and tramadol at bedtime. I can't take either of them now.

[Helena Williamstom]

08:19 PM on 10/25/2011

I usually fall asleep watching Law and Order (LAO) or Law and Order Criminal Intent LAOCI). When that doesn't work or Ive had a particular stressful day, I meditate or take a few melatonin.

Works like a charm and I'm not sleepy or groggy in the morning.

[Nic the wonder puppy]

01:59 PM on 09/07/2011

They tell me to go out side and do my thing, but when I do they close the door

[Activist Annie]

06:58 PM on 09/06/2011

For quite a while I have been watching TV before I go to bed. However, I had trouble falling asleep even with my nightly ritual of a cup of decaffeinated tea. Also, several auto-immune disorders prevent me from enjoying a continuous night’s sleep. Several months ago I went through my day to try different ideas. I limit nighttime TV, watch less political commentary then shut it! I think pleasant and upbeat thoughts until I slow down.

My cat and I snuggle comfortably as I ask angels to surround my bed. I thank God for my day's blessings, children, cat, bird and friends. I give God ALL my pain of body, mind, spirit and emotion of the day and all unresolved pain of my past remembered or not. This helps to heal me of past and present hurts and clears my head to pray. I pray for those for whom I promised to pray my children, friends, pets and residents in nursing homes where I work and volunteer. I include unnamed people in my “prayer bundle” those I meet during the day – those who cut me off in traffic, a person in the supermarket, a kindness received, anyone. Before I close my eyes I say “I am being healed” and fall asleep with a smile on my face. If I awaken during the night I might get up for another cup of tea before I pray until hopefully, I fall asleep.

[watch out world]

06:59 PM on 09/11/2011

Annie- I love how you are manifesting good health, mind and spirit!

But, the not staying asleep all nite thing.....Do you have adrenal fatigue? That is a common sign! Google it and see if any of the other symptoms. I suffer from adrenal issues and I know how hard it is to sleep all nite. I have found that melatonin (time-released) and inositol (a form of vit B) and some tea made with Calm (powdered magnesium) about a half hour before bed keep me asleep all nite without the waking up thing. I know I also have estrogen issues, but for the most part, I sleep well all nite. A small piece of toast with peanut butter keeps insulin levels at their peak so your other hormones can do their job while you sleep: To heal you!!

Hope this helps! Sweet dreams!

[watch out world]

02:43 PM on 09/12/2011

Annie- It's me again!! I received a message that you replied, but after 18 hours, it says your comment is still "pending approval." So I don't know if you had a question, or just wanted to say thanks, or wanted to say MYOB!! Can you reply again??

[Activist Annie]

07:03 AM on 09/13/2011

Hi again,

I'm so glad you wrote!

I was going to drop you a quick note asking if you received it but it's no wonder that I couldn't find my response anywhere on the web site. I didn't make a copy to refer to later on and I checked the web site until last night but with no success. I hope I can remember what I wrote, or at least the essence of it. Fortunately I made a copy of it for my use.

In my e-mail to you I thanked you for your kind words and your assistance. I said I didn't know of what you said but would look up your suggestions.

I also mentioned that I was awake four hours yesterday morning and that the loss of sleep always makes me feel sick. I also asked if I had your permission to contact you again.

I have already begun to search your suggestions.

I don't know why my comment is still "pending approval."