And, since we know that a productive start to the day begins the night before, we’re giving you the low-down on how to establish a routine that you’ll stick to.

Sleep is inevitable. There will always come a time of night where you eventually become tired and say to yourself “I guess it’s time to sleep.” But, what if we told you there were simple steps you could take as a part of your nightly routine that would actually make winding down part of a healthy routine and something you enjoy?

“Most of us cannot sleep on command, but routine helps the brain know that it’s preparing for sleep,” says Rebecca Scott, research assistant professor of neurology at the NYU Langone Comprehensive Epilepsy Center. “Our sleep system, along with most other neurophysiological systems, likes predictability and consistency”

Set a Time

Set a bedtime and stick to it. There are plenty of apps out there to assist in reminding yourself that it’s time to wind down. If you’re an iPhone user, head into your ‘Alarm’ app on your phone and create a bedtime. Here, you’ll actually be able to get push notifications when you need to start winding down and getting ready to snooze. It’s an easy solution that will get you into the habit of falling asleep at a regular time each time.

If you know you’re due for a shut eye at the same time each night, your internal scheduling system will know how much time you have to dedicate to prep. Say goodbye to the end of day scramble and hello to a calm entry to dreamland.

Turn Off The Light

Bluelight produced by electronic devices confuses your brain from knowing day from night. Rather than scrolling the night away on your favorite social apps, try a new wind-down hobby like reading, meditation, or a satisfying coloring page.

Take Care of Yourself

A healthy hygiene habit is good to have regardless, but a relaxing night time skincare routine, bath or massage is a major step in the self-care direction. By literally cleansing away the day, you’ll emerge for bedtime with a clear mindset and lowered heart rate, ready for relaxation and a restful night’s sleep.

Set The Mood

We’ll take any chance we can get to create a zen worthy environment. Activate the senses with aromatherapy, silk pajamas or even a fresh set of sheets. There’s nothing like coming home to a freshly made bed, roomed filled with the scent of calming essential oils, and your pajamas set up for you after your shower. It makes all the difference to have everything set up in advance to get you in the mood for a slumber.