Back to Basics: Build the Perfect Nighttime Routine

We spend so much time prepping for the day ahead—early alarms, packed schedules, and overflowing to-do lists. But what if the real secret to better mornings isn’t your routine at 7 a.m.—it’s the one that starts at 7 p.m.?

Whether you’re caring for a busy household, managing stress at work, navigating menopause, or just trying to get a decent night’s rest, a solid nighttime routine is one of the best forms of self-care. The best part? It doesn’t have to be complicated. It just has to be intentional—and comfortable.

Here are seven proven, practical, and comfort-forward ways to wind down, ease stress, and finally get the deep sleep your body’s been asking for.

7 Soothing Steps to Sleep Better, Feel Calmer & Wake Up Refreshed

1. Start with a Natural Wind-Down

Ease your mind before your head touches the pillow

Most of us go from full-throttle to flat-out, which makes it hard for our nervous systems to catch up. Build in a transitional ritual—whether it’s sipping herbal tea, journaling for 5 minutes, or taking a magnesium supplement 30 to 60 minutes before bed (shown to improve sleep quality by supporting melatonin production¹).

Science Says: Dimming lights 60–90 minutes before bedtime helps reset your body’s circadian rhythm and encourages natural melatonin release².

Try it: Switch off overheads and turn on warm lamps or candles to cue your body to slow down.

2. Skip the Screen

Scrolling is the enemy of rest
Blue light suppresses melatonin³, the hormone that helps you fall and stay asleep. Plus, digital content—whether stressful news or a suspenseful Netflix show—can spike your cortisol. Swap the screen for a low-fi playlist, a paper book, a crossword, or even guided breathing.

Lifestyle Tip: Try charging your phone in the kitchen overnight. Use a small digital alarm clock in the bedroom to avoid temptation and regain tech-free space.

3. Upgrade Your Bedding

Comfort you can feel—and trust to last

You don’t need a whole new bed to improve sleep—just better bedding that works with your body. The right upgrade can make a BIG difference. Take our Everyday Bed Sheets: ultra-soft, breathable, and designed to stay fresh and smooth night after night. They're perfect for hot sleepers and sensitive skin alike—offering long-lasting comfort without the hassle or the high price tag.

Science Says: A cool sleep environment (60–67°F) is linked to deeper, more restorative sleep⁴. While your thermostat sets the tone, your sheets play a supporting role. Our Everyday Sheets are crafted from a luxuriously soft, breathable blend that feels smooth to the touch and stays fresh night after night. The result? Less tossing. Fewer wakeups. No more stiff, scratchy sheets—just dependable comfort that lasts.

4. Diffuse Calming Scents

Signal calm to your senses with scent
Your sense of smell is directly wired to your brain’s emotional center⁵. That’s why a few drops of essential oil in a diffuser can help cue your mind and body that it’s safe to relax. We recommend lavender (proven to lower heart rate and blood pressure⁶), lemongrass, or a pre-made relaxation blend. After a long, high-stress day, this is an effortless way to unwind and signal to your nervous system it’s time to detox for the evening. 

Lifestyle Tip: Use the Cosy House Ultrasonic Diffuser to gently mist your favorite calming blend throughout your room. It’s quiet, sleek, and easy to set on a timer.

5. Prep Tomorrow, Tonight

Because decision fatigue is real—and avoidable
The average adult makes over 35,000 decisions per day⁷. For parents, caregivers, retirees, and anyone juggling multiple roles, that number feels even higher. By tackling just a few small tasks at night, you can quiet the mental noise and give your mind permission to wind down fully. Start your day one step ahead!

Try this 3-minute reset tonight:

• Pick tomorrow’s outfit—including layers (especially if mornings are chilly)

• Pre-load the coffee maker or prep breakfast basics (overnight oats, smoothie packs, etc.)

• Set out a glass of water and your morning vitamins or meds—it’s one less thing to think about when you wake up, and it sets your day in motion with purpose.

Lifestyle Tip: If your schedule is flexible, jot down one thing you're looking forward to. Anticipation = motivation.

6. Block Out Distractions

Create your sleep sanctuary
Light, noise, and even restless pets can prevent deep sleep cycles. You may not remember the wake-ups, but your body does. It’s time to fix the fixable. Blackout curtains, white noise, eye masks, and temperature regulation are the unsung heroes of better sleep hygiene.

Lifestyle tip: Try a breathable mattress protector or encasement to support comfort and cleanliness, especially helpful for sensitive sleepers or shared beds.

7. Set the Vibe with Comfort-First Staples

Rituals make rest feel like a reward
Because sleep doesn’t start when your head hits the pillow—it starts with how you set the tone. A soothing nighttime routine isn’t just about “winding down.” It’s about creating a full-body experience that helps your mind, muscles, and mood relax together. Here’s how to layer comfort like a pro:

1. Begin with a warm shower or bath to lower your core body temperature—this drop helps cue melatonin production and naturally prepare your body for rest.

2. Wrap up in a freshly laundered Cosy House Luxury Towel—thick, plush, and ultra-absorbent so you’re dry and warm, fast (no lingering post-shower chills).

3. Change into our Bamboo Loungewear, now on clearance—lightweight, breathable, and especially helpful for hot sleepers, night sweats, or warm climates (Right now, our loungewear is up to 80% off while supplies last!)

4. Spritz your pillow or turn on your diffuser with lavender essential oil to activate calm through scent.

5. Dim the lights and power down devices, then tuck into a bed that does the rest:

• • Everyday Sheets that feel like luxury without the high price tag—soft, durable, hypoallergenic, and ready for restful nights.

  • A 100% Silk Pillowcase that’s gentle on skin and hair—ideal for fighting sleep wrinkles, bedhead, and friction overnight.

💛 Ready to Feel Better by Morning?

Your nighttime routine doesn’t have to be rigid or Instagram-worthy. It just has to work for you. And it works best when it’s:
✔️ Predictable (your body loves rhythm)
✔️ Calming (your brain needs signals of safety)
✔️ Sensory (your environment sets the tone)
✔️ Comfortable (because rest should feel good)

Let Cosy House help you make it happen—with comfort-forward home goods designed to support every part of your evening wind-down.

SHOP THE NIGHTTIME ROUTINE COLLECTION

Use code BLOG10 at checkout to save 10% on your first Cosy House order!

Resources: 

1. Abbasi B, Kimiagar M, Sadeghniiat K, Shirazi MM, Hedayati M, Rashidkhani B. The effect of magnesium supplementation on primary insomnia in elderly: A double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. J Res Med Sci. 2012 Dec;17(12):1161-9. PMID: 23853635; PMCID: PMC3703169. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3703169/ 

2. Bryan, Lucy. Guo, Lulu, MD. 2025. Sleep Foundation: Circadian Rhythm Tips. https://www.sleepfoundation.org/circadian-rhythm 

3. Harvard Health Information. 2024. Staying Healthy. Blue light has a dark side. Harvard Health: Blue Light Effects

4. Cleveland Clinic. Nov, 2021. Living Healthy. Sleep. Cleveland Clinic: What’s the Best Temperature for Sleep? https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-is-the-ideal-sleeping-temperature-for-my-bedroom 

5. Mouly AM, Sullivan R. Memory and Plasticity in the Olfactory System: From Infancy to Adulthood. In: Menini A, editor. The Neurobiology of Olfaction. Boca Raton (FL): CRC Press/Taylor & Francis; 2010. Chapter 15. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK55967/ 

6. Koulivand PH, Khaleghi Ghadiri M, Gorji A. Lavender and the nervous system. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2013;2013:681304. doi: 10.1155/2013/681304. Epub 2013 Mar 14. PMID: 23573142; PMCID: PMC3612440. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3612440/

7. Bruce Y. Lee M.D., M.B.A. January 16, 2023. Decision Fatigue and What to Do About It Psychology Today: Decision Fatigue. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/a-funny-bone-to-pick/202301/decision-fatigue-and-what-to-do-about-it