8 Simple and Relaxing Things To Do Before Bed for a Good Night’s Sleep
This post is about things to do before bed.
Written by Iesha.
Figuring out things to do before bed doesn’t have to be complicated. A few small choices can help you relax, shake off the day, and fall asleep with ease.
I get it, when you’re tired, all you want to do is sink into your pillow and pull the covers over your head. Exhaustion has a way of taking over. But these 8 relaxing things to do before bed, while simple and familiar, can truly help you unwind after a long day and wake up feeling refreshed and ready for the next one.
This post is about things to do before bed.
Things To Calm You Down Before Bed
1. Prayer
Prayer is one of the most relaxing things you can do before bed. There’s such peace in casting your cares and burdens on God, knowing He can handle what we cannot. Even though we’re human and naturally tend to stress or worry, prayer is a gentle reminder that we don’t have to carry it all.
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If you’re unsure what to pray, just be honest. God already knows your heart, your wants, and your needs. He’s a loving and understanding Father. Ending your day with an intimate conversation with Him can leave you calm, at peace, and ready for the kind of restful sleep your soul truly needs.
2. Journaling
Journaling is another wonderful thing to do before bed. It’s a safe space where you can pour out your thoughts, feelings, and even the most sensitive moments without fear of judgment. Whether it’s a prayer journal, bullet journal, or self-love journal, writing can be incredibly therapeutic.
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If you ever struggle with what to say in prayer, journaling can also be a beautiful way to communicate with God and share what’s on your heart. Releasing your worries and emotions onto paper brings a sense of calm, helping you relax and prepare for a peaceful night’s rest.
3. Reading a Book
There’s something so refreshing about ending the day with a good book. Whether it’s non-fiction that inspires you or fiction that lets you escape into another world, reading has a way of quieting the mind.
A captivating story might keep you turning pages, but even just a few chapters, or even a few pages, can help ease stress and spark creativity. Reading before bed also reduces anxiety and gives your mind a gentle shift away from the day’s worries.
And if you happen to dose off mid-sentence, that’s perfectly fine; sometimes falling asleep with a book in hand is the most peaceful ending to the night.
4. Silence Notifications on Your Devices
If you’re anything like me, your phone, tablet, and laptop are constantly blowing up with notifications, lighting up like a Christmas tree. Before bed, it’s worth taking a step back. Put your devices on Do Not Disturb, silence notifications, and give yourself space to truly unwind.
It may be easy for some and harder for others, but creating this boundary is a gift to your mind and body. The people who truly care about you will understand and respect your space. Let go of the guilt; prioritizing rest and peace is always worth it.
5. Sleep Sounds
It’s rare to be blessed with the gentle sound of rain outside your window every night, unless you live somewhere it rains constantly. Luckily, you can easily recreate that peaceful atmosphere by listening to rain sounds on YouTube, Spotify, or other apps.
Rain sounds are part of a broader category called sleep sounds, soothing noises designed to help you relax and fall asleep more easily. They can drown out distractions, ease anxiety, and guide you into deeper rest. Even if stress isn’t your issue, sleep sounds can still create a calming bedtime routine.
From white, pink, and brown noise to nature and ocean sounds, each offers its own unique benefits. Take a little time before bed to explore which sound works best for you, and you might just find your new favorite sleep sound.
6. Hot Shower/Bubble bath
Whether your day was overwhelming or absolutely wonderful, there’s nothing like ending it with a hot shower or a soothing bubble bath. You deserve that moment to feel good and unwind. If it means locking the door, lighting a candle, or even putting on soft music to set the mood, go for it.
What are the benefits of a hot shower or hot bubble bath?
The benefits of a hot shower or bath are endless:
- Relieves muscle tension
- Reduces stress
- Promotes better sleep
- Clears your mind
- Improves circulation
So give yourself permission to slow down. Add a few extra minutes to your shower or soak, and by the time you slip into bed, your body will be relaxed, your mind at ease, and sleep will come naturally.
7. Herbal Tea
Last but definitely not least, herbal tea. Herbal Tea can do wonders for your body and mind. It is known for supporting overall wellness, from soothing the digestive system to calming the mind and even promoting better sleep. Popular choices include chamomile, peppermint, and ginger tea. Personally, I love ginger tea; it helps ease my pain when I have an upset stomach. Of course, I’m not a doctor, so be sure to do your research on the teas that best suit you. But if you can, try sipping a warm cup of herbal tea before bed; you might be surprised how relaxed, cozy, and ready for sleep you feel.
8. Word Search and Crossword Puzzles
If you’re looking for another peaceful way to relax before bed, try winding down with a word search or crossword puzzle book. Solving puzzles helps you quiet your mind, reduce stress, and shift your focus away from the day’s worries, making it a great part of your nighttime routine. If you love doing puzzles of any kind, I have created word search and puzzle books designed to help you relax, challenge your brain a little, and enjoy some ‘me time’ before you drift off to sleep.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, finding simple things to do before bed can make all the difference in how you rest and how you feel when you wake up. From prayer and journaling to herbal tea and sleep sounds, these small habits can help you create a peaceful bedtime routine.
And if you’ve been wondering how to relax before bed when stressed, start with just one or two of these calming practices. Your body and mind deserve the chance to unwind, recharge, and drift into the restful sleep you need.
