The power of a pre-wedding sleep routine

Aside from looking radiant and well-rested on your wedding day, getting enough sleep offers additional benefits that extend beyond the surface. In this article Alison Hughes, Interiors Director at Coast Road Furniture, shares her tips for a healthy sleep routine ahead of your nuptials.

As the excitement builds and the countdown to your wedding begins, there's one often-overlooked aspect of wedding planning that can significantly impact your overall experience: sleep. Amidst the whirlwind of preparations for your big day, it's easy to neglect this essential component of self-care.

Establishing a pre-wedding sleep routine not only ensures you look your best for your wedding but also sets the stage for a calm and joyful celebration. Here, I'll take you through some of my best tips for getting the rest you need ahead of your big day.

Why you should focus on your sleep
Quality sleep is crucial for physical and mental well-being (Mental Health Foundation). It directly affects your mood, energy levels, and even your appearance. In the hectic days leading up to your wedding, it's common to experience heightened stress and anxiety, which can disrupt your sleep patterns (PubMed). However, prioritising restorative sleep can mitigate these effects and help you feel your absolute best when you say "I do."

Adequate rest may enhance your resilience to stress (Sleep Doctor), boost your immune system (Sleep Foundation), and improve cognitive function (Sleep Foundation). By nurturing your body and mind through quality sleep, you'll be better equipped to fully embrace and enjoy every moment of your special day.

Ideally, you should begin implementing your pre-wedding sleep routine several weeks before the big day. This allows ample time for your body to adjust and reap the full benefits. Starting early also gives you the opportunity to identify what works best for you and fine-tune your routine accordingly.

Tips for implementing a pre-wedding sleep routine
· Establish a consistent bedtime: Aim to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day, even on weekends. This helps regulate your body's internal clock and promotes better sleep quality. Aim for between seven and nine hours of sleep each night for best results.
· Create a relaxing bedtime ritual: Engage in calming activities before bed, such as reading, taking a warm bath, or practicing gentle yoga. Avoid stimulating activities, such as watching intense movies or checking work emails, which can make it difficult to unwind. If you can begin your ritual earlier in the evening, a few hours before bedtime, even better.
· Limit screen time: Minimise exposure to screens, including smartphones, tablets, and televisions, at least an hour before bedtime. The blue light emitted by these devices can interfere with your body's production of melatonin, a hormone essential for sleep. Plus, features like notifications can increase your heart rate (PubMed) when you should be slowing it down.
· Watch your diet: Be mindful of what you eat and drink, particularly in the hours leading up to bedtime. Avoid heavy meals, caffeine, and alcohol, which can disrupt your sleep and leave you feeling groggy the next day. A small snack before bed is fine if you are hungry, but make sure it's light and free from stimulants.
· Create a comfortable sleep environment: Ensure your bedroom is conducive to sleep by keeping it cool, dark, and quiet. Invest in a comfortable mattress and pillows that provide adequate support for a restful night's sleep. Keep your bedroom tidy to avoid feeling stressed.
· Practice stress-relief techniques: Incorporate stress-reduction techniques into your daily routine, such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or journaling. Managing stress can help prevent sleep disturbances and promote a sense of calm leading up to your wedding day.

Avoid these common mistakes
It can be easy to sabotage your sleep quality with common mistakes. Late-night scrolling through social media, too much caffeine consumption, and irregular sleep schedules can all disrupt your body's natural sleep-wake cycle. Additionally, the temptation to stay up late finalising last-minute details ahead of your big day can lead to sleep deprivation, leaving you feeling drained and irritable. If you're having trouble prioritising rest, it can help to plan time for sleep and relaxation in your schedule.

By implementing a pre-wedding sleep routine, you'll not only look better but feel better too, with a sense of calm and inner radiance that shines through on your special day. So, give yourself the gift of restful sleep and walk down the aisle feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready to cherish every moment.