Wellness Expert Sara Adler Shares Her Top Tips for Better Sleep

Before we jump in today, I just have to tell you one thing.

I’m actually a tiny bit nervous to share my real (unedited) nighttime routine with you guys. Because in our house, we have what we call, a sleep princess. And she’s very serious. She comes out every night, around 9pm, ready for her evening. There are very few things that get in the way of her little rituals, because well, getting great sleep affects everything else in life (obvious things like your energy, mood and patience, but also non-obvious ones like your ability to love and serve others, your creativity, your metabolism, your hunger, and your cravings).

Ok, ok, so I’m the princess.
How’d you know?

So, before we dive in, you’ve been warned. Everyone’s life is a little different, and these little rhythms of mine change slightly depending on what season I’m in. But that’s the beauty in it. So feel free to adapt any of these ideas below in ways that work for you.

Sarah’s Simply Real Nighttime Routine:

STEP 1: SCREENS OFF BY 9pm

(Ok, truthfully, it would ideally be more like 8pm, but you know, #ladyboss #reallife and those of you that have #momlife going on, doesn’t always allow it.) Why? The blue light from our screens (computer, phone and TV) triggers the “awake” hormones in our brain to start pumping... literally the last thing you want when you’re trying to wind down for the night. Let alone the anxiety and stress it can create, ruminating over things you can’t change until the next day anyways.

TO DO: Download the fl.ux app on your computer and adjust your brightness settings on your iPhone to dim the blue light after 8pm every night. This helps so much!

STEP 2: START WINDING DOWN

I love to do a natural face mask (1-2x/week) to start the process. There is something so soothing and care taking about doing a face mask. Use an old makeup brush to make it quick and easy (and lump free), and treat yourself to a little podcast, book or essential oil time while you wait for it to dry. I have noticed such a difference in my skin, my mood and calmer energy with this extra 20 minute addition in my life! I love this one and this one the most.

STEP 3: LET’S TALK TONGUE SCRAPERS

Ok, it took me years to get on board with this trend. Does it really do anything, I’d wonder? It seems so extreme and like it would make you crazy. But, a word of advice: there is literally nothing better that I’ve spent $6 on from amazon, than this stainless steel one. Basically, toxins can build up on your tongue daily, even with eating clean + real food. It’s actually equal part deeply satisfying and disturbing, doing this daily. Your mouth and breath will thank you!

STEP 4: BRUSH THOSE TEETH

...With a natural, fluoride-free, stevia-free toothpaste (like this one). Chemies in your mouth = no good, whether it’s food or with any personal care products. It’s so worth the upgrade.

STEP 5: FACE TIME

Aka, I wash mine with water (or with one of Primally Pure’s cleansing oils). This was one of the funniest things I admitted in my “things I’m afraid to tell you” Instagram post a few months ago. It’s true. I wash my face with just water first. Because then, I do this:

STEP 6: CLEAN SWEEP + A QUICK SWIPE

Next, I take any extra makeup off with oils (I alternate between this organic jojoba oil and organic rosehip oil), and use an organic, natural cotton pad. It works amazingly, and doesn’t dry or pull my skin.

STEP 7: HERE COMES THE MOISTURE QUEEN

I put on a natural lip balm (like this one, in peppermint). And then start on my face and neck, rotating between these favorites: the PP Blue Tansy Beauty Cream (I like to add a drop of frankincense or sandalwood essential oil), the PP Palmarosa Mint Beauty Cream (my favorite smell) or this Egyptian Beauty Cream. Dry skin = aging skin, plus they all feel so good and smell so great, it’s like an added joy.

STEP 8: WAIT, SHE’S NOT DONE

So then, I always mix a few drops of essential oils with some coconut oil (I use this one) or magnesium spray (I love this one, it’s sting-free), and rub it into the bottoms of feet, inside of wrists, and sometimes neck and back. See my favorite essential oils and combinations here, in my full breakdown guide on the blog. I always keep a small mason jar of coconut oil mixed with eucalyptus and lavender oils on my vanity and use it as lotion whenever I need a little boost.

STEP 9: THE FINAL TOUCHES

Aka, my little eye mask goes on and my ear plugs in. Yes, it’s true. Bringing sexy back! My poor husband... but honestly, after a few years watching me and my nighttime production - he’s totally on the same page now. An eye mask (but only this kind, with room for your eyes) and earplugs are actually life changing, since any amount of light or noise can disrupt deeper sleep patterns in your body (and thus your circadian rhythms, metabolism, the regeneration + renewal of your cells, and amount of actual rest your body is getting). I never travel without them!

Princess, out.
Sleep, so in.
The healthy way.

Follow along for daily advice + tips on a healthy life, made simple on Instagram, and her website!