I have quite a complicated, time-consuming bedtime routine that I go through every night. Yes, it borders on obsessive compulsive, but mostly it is practical and necessary. It goes like this:-
- Put cups in dishwasher
- Turn on dishwasher
- Straighten the cushions
- Check the dog has water
- Check the doors are locked
- Get a glass of water
- Plug phone into charger
- Turn off the living room lights
- Check on the kids
- Brush and floss teeth
- Wash face
- Put on numerous face creams
- Put on pyjamas
- Make sure wardrobe doors are shut
- Check that I have water, lip balm & hand cream next to bed
- Get into bed
My husband’s routine is a bit simpler:-
- Walk to bedroom
- Get into bed
Do you think this is a male vs. female thing? How does your routine compare to your partners? Do you go through certain steps each night? I’d love to hear.
Hi. I have never dissected my bedtime routine before, but it is quite structured. I have read that this ritualization is part of having a good sleep. Most of what I do has to do with being a diabetic. I take very good care of my feet and hands, so cream must be applied. I have to take my insulin, and although I am not squeamish there are many small steps associated and it is not one of my favorite things to do. i usually read for a very short while, just a couple of pages of something light. Lately it is A.A. Milne’s ‘Winnie the Pooh’. Thanks for a thoughtful post!!! Jane
Hi Jane, I like reading before bed too. At the moment, I’m reading ‘The Captain’s Daughter’, a novel about two women who survived the sinking of ‘Titanic’. It’s light reading, but a real page turner!