4 Things to Take to Bed for Better Sleep

TL;DR – Quick Sleep Boosters

✅ Do your bedtime routine early so climbing into bed feels easy

✅ Try Sleepytime Extra Tea (with valerian)

✅ Use sleep gummies to calm your mind and body

✅ Block out distractions with a Hatch sound machine


Getting enough sleep isn’t just about avoiding daytime grogginess—it directly impacts your health, mood, relationships, and productivity. If you’ve been struggling to fall asleep or stay asleep, here are some simple, effective things you can take to bed with you that may help you rest better tonight.

1. Change How You Prepare for Bed

Sometimes, the hardest part of bedtime isn’t sleep itself—it’s getting ready. When you’re exhausted, brushing your teeth and doing skincare can feel like a chore, which delays sleep even further.

💡 Sleep tip: Do your “bedtime” routine (pajamas, skincare, teeth brushing) right after dinner instead of right before bed. That way, when you’re ready to sleep, you can just climb under the covers with zero friction.

2. Sip on Sleepytime Tea

If you have trouble drifting off, herbal tea can be a natural sleep aid.

  • Regular Sleepytime Tea is soothing, but the Sleepytime Extra version contains valerian root, which helps promote deeper, longer sleep.

  • My kids and I enjoy it most nights—it’s calming, cozy, and genuinely makes a difference.

👉 Try Celestial Seasonings Sleepytime Extra Tea

3. Try Sleep Gummies

Another option is sleep gummies, which combine melatonin, magnesium, or calming herbs to help your mind and body wind down.

A close friend I gifted them to shared this feedback:

“If you have trouble falling asleep, I can’t recommend these enough. I have the hardest time calming my mind, but these gummies have been a total game-changer.”

They come in different flavors, so you can find one that suits your taste.

👉 Try FOCL Sleep Gummies

4. Turn Up the Sound

For those who don’t want supplements, a sleep sound machine can be life-changing.

  • My dad literally turned his car around once on a trip just to grab his Hatch Sleep Machine—he refuses to sleep without it.

  • I’ve used mine for years, and it blocks out noise while creating a consistent, relaxing sleep environment.

👉 Try Hatch Sleep Machine


FAQs

Q1: What should I drink before bed for better sleep?
Herbal teas with valerian root (like Sleepytime Extra) can help relax your body before bed.

Q2: Are sleep gummies safe to use every night?
Most are designed for regular use, but always check the label for ingredients like melatonin and consult your doctor if you plan to use them long-term.

Q3: What’s the best non-supplement sleep aid?
A sound machine like the Hatch is a great non-supplement solution—it creates consistent background noise that helps you fall asleep and stay asleep.

Q4: How can I make bedtime less stressful?
Do your bedtime routine (skincare, brushing teeth, pajamas) earlier in the evening so getting into bed feels effortless.


About The Author

Jessica Eastman Stewart is a consultant, workshop facilitator, and podcast guest expert. She teaches busy professionals how to get more organized at home and at work so they can stop feeling worn out and start living a Joyfully Managed Life! Thousands of readers drop everything when her weekly newsletter, The Friday Five, arrives in their inbox. Every Friday, you’ll get FIVE amazing tips to help life feel INSTANTLY more joyful and easy!

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