My Favorite Sleep Products and Rituals

If you’ve ever found yourself wide awake at 3am, staring at the ceiling and wondering what’s wrong with you… you’re not alone.

Sleep is one of those things that’s supposed to be natural, but somehow becomes one of the hardest things to get right. Between stress, hormones, screens, and just life, there are seasons where sleep feels elusive at best.

I’ve found a handful of tools and rituals that genuinely help me fall asleep, stay asleep, and get back to sleep when I wake up in the middle of the night. These are the ones I come back to again and again.

Sleep Essentials & Nighttime Rituals That Make A Big Difference

The #1 Game Changer For My Sleep: Progesterone

When I found myself wide awake at 3am every night, I finally figured out that it had to do with my changing hormones in perimenopause. My OB/GYN asked me about my symptoms and I told her that like clockwork, my body was wide awake at 3am every night. Her response: yup, lights on all over the city for women of your age. Progesterone has been a game changer for me. Obviously work with your doctor to figure out what is right for you!

Deiji Studios Linen Pajamas

An investment, but they will last forever. This linen is soft, breathable, and somehow both cozy and chic. I reach for them every night.

Peekays Calm Down (Sleep Aid for Stress and Racing Thoughts)

This is not for full blown insomnia, more like to settle me down once in a while when stress and a racing mind is threatening my ability to drop off into sleep. I feel the calming effects immediately.

Sleep Mask

One of my kids can’t sleep without these and they show up in his stocking every year.

Portable Sound Bath Speakers

If you’re a big fan of a sound bath, these small portable speakers are wonderful to fall asleep to.

Supplements That Support Better Sleep

I usually don’t talk much about supplements, but it’s pretty well documented that Magnesium L-Threonate is great for sleep. Of course, check with your doctor before taking any supplements! I use this one nightly in my electrolyte powder as well as in pill form before I sleep.

Dr. Hauschka Lip Balm

Whenever my lips are cracked and dry, I lather this on right before I go to bed. In the morning, my cracked lips are healed! I’m obsessed with this lip balm, as are all of my kids.

Re-Vityl Silk Pillowcase

I have become a side sleeper, and someone once told me that if I don’t use a silk pillowcase my wrinkles will be terrible. Enough said! Silk pillowcase became a must have. : )

The Simple Trick I Use to Fall Back Asleep at Night

I can’t remember who taught me this, but the strategy I use when I’m having trouble dropping off has been the same for decades. I count backwards from 100, and each time I count down a number I touch my thumb and middle finger together on my right hand.

There is something about needing to pay attention to both things lightly that pushes all the intrusive stress thoughts out of my head. Try it and let me know how it goes

Final Thoughts on Better Sleep

Sleep doesn’t have to be perfect to be supportive. Sometimes it’s about having a few tools you trust, a couple of rituals that signal to your body that it’s time to rest, and the self-awareness to understand what’s actually keeping you up. If you’ve been struggling with sleep, I hope something here helps you feel just a little more supported tonight.

All my love,
Vanessa

P.S. If you enjoyed this guide, you might also like The Travel Essentials I Never Leave Home Without or The Wellness Tools I Use For Stress Relief and Everyday Reset.