Today’s fast-paced, anxiety-driven culture makes it harder than ever to unwind. When your head finally hits the pillow, do you find yourself tossing, turning, and replaying the day’s events? Racing thoughts, to-do lists, and the stress of world events can make peaceful, restorative sleep feel out of reach.
We need quality sleep to function well—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Yet, achieving it can be difficult when your mind refuses to slow down.
If you’re craving more restful nights, here are six unexpected tips to help you sleep peacefully and wake refreshed.
Boost Sleep with Key Supplements
Sometimes, sleep struggles are linked to nutritional deficiencies. Many people are low in essential nutrients that promote better sleep.
Supplements to consider:
- Magnesium: Helps relax muscles and calm the nervous system, making it easier to fall asleep. It may also reduce nighttime leg cramps.
- Vitamin D: Supports immune function and may improve sleep quality by regulating mood and reducing inflammation.
- Zinc: Known for boosting immune health, zinc also plays a role in REM sleep regulation, helping you feel more rested.
- Calcium:
Calcium helps the brain use tryptophan to produce melatonin, the hormone that regulates your sleep-wake cycle. Low calcium levels can disrupt melatonin production, making it harder to fall and stay asleep. Ensuring you get enough calcium may reduce nighttime awakenings.
Bonus Tip: Pair calcium-rich foods with tryptophan-containing foods (like turkey, eggs, or nuts) for a natural melatonin boost.
Always consult with your healthcare provider before adding new supplements to your routine.🔗 [CLICK HERE for the supplement I take which incorporates all of the above vitamins in one pill]
Write It Down: Brain Dump Your Stress
When your mind is overwhelmed with anxious thoughts, sleep becomes elusive. One simple yet powerful strategy is to “brain dump” your stress before bed.
✅ How to do it:
- Take 10 minutes before bed to write down everything weighing on your mind—stressful thoughts, tomorrow’s to-dos, and lingering worries.
- Keep a notepad by your bedside. If you wake up with racing thoughts, jot them down immediately. This helps clear your mind and signals to your brain that you can deal with it tomorrow.
Pro Tip: This isn’t a polished journal entry—it’s a raw, unfiltered brain dump. Let it all out.
Light Therapy
Also known as bright light therapy (BLT), is a powerful tool for regulating your circadian rhythm, which controls your sleep-wake cycle. Using it correctly can help you fall asleep faster, sleep deeper, and wake up more refreshed. Use It in the Morning to Reset Your Sleep Cycle.
If you struggle with insomnia, difficulty falling asleep, or waking too early, exposing yourself to bright light in the morning can help regulate your internal clock.
✅ How to do it:
- Use a 10,000-lux therapy light (standard for most devices).
- Sit or work near the light for 20–30 minutes within an hour of waking.
- Place it at eye level or slightly above (but not directly in your line of sight) about 16–24 inches away.
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Stay Cool to Sleep Better
If you sleep too hot, it can disrupt your body’s natural sleep cycles. This is especially common for moms dealing with hormonal changes or night sweats.
✅Try this unexpected remedy:
- Drink 100% tart cherry juice. It’s a natural source of melatonin, which can improve sleep quality and help regulate your sleep-wake cycle.
- Have one small glass in the evening and another in the morning. Many people notice better sleep within a few days.
Extra Tip: Use breathable bedding made from cotton or bamboo and set your thermostat to 65–68°F (18–20°C) for optimal sleep temperature.
🔗 TRY THIS JUICE or TRY THIS Supplement
Establish a Calming Nighttime Routine
Nighttime routines aren’t just for kids—they signal to your body that it’s time to wind down. A simple, structured routine can help you transition from a busy day to a restful night.
✅ Try this 30-minute routine:
- 10 minutes: Take a warm shower, bath, or use a heated rice pad to relax tense muscles.
- 10 minutes: Pray, journal, or meditate on a short scripture passage. Let go of the day’s worries.
- 10 minutes: Read a light, uplifting book—something positive but not overly stimulating.
Faith Tip: Add soft worship music or ambient sounds (like rain or ocean waves) to create a peaceful sleep atmosphere.
Pray Yourself to Sleep
True rest isn’t just physical—it’s spiritual. Inviting God into your sleep brings a deeper sense of peace, even on restless nights.
✅ Try the TSA prayer method:
- Thank: Start by thanking God for three specific things—even small blessings from your day. Gratitude calms the heart.
- Share: Talk to God as if you’re talking to a friend. Share your joys, concerns, and fears honestly.
- Ask: Request guidance, comfort, and protection over your thoughts and sleep. Ask God to quiet your mind and grant you rest.
Psalm 4:8 says, “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.” Let this verse be a reminder that God is your refuge as you sleep.
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Rest Beyond the Basics
If you’ve tried the usual sleep tips without success, it may be time to think outside the box. By brain dumping stress, optimizing supplements, light therapy, regulating your temperature, creating a calming routine, and praying yourself to sleep, you can experience deeper, more restorative rest.
💬 Which of these tips will you try tonight? Share your favorite sleep remedies or bedtime scriptures in the comments!
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