Studio Nine

Sleep and I have had a complicated relationship. There have been nights where my brain decides it’s the perfect time to replay conversations from three years ago, make me question every life decision, or suddenly remind me that I forgot to reply to an email from 9 AM. And let’s not even start on the nights where my body is exhausted, but my mind is running a marathon.

I’ve tried it all—sleepy teas, meditation, the classic “just put your phone down an hour before bed” advice (which, let’s be honest, is easier said than done). But one thing that genuinely surprised me? Magnesium.

I didn’t start taking it for sleep. In fact, I stumbled upon it when looking for something to help with muscle aches and general stress levels. But after a few weeks, I noticed something: my mind wasn’t racing quite as much at night. I felt calmer, like my body had been given permission to relax. It wasn’t a knockout pill—it didn’t force sleep—but it was like a gentle nudge, telling my system, “You’re safe, it’s okay to rest now.”

Of course, sleep isn’t just about one magic fix. There are still nights where I lie awake thinking about the mysteries of the universe (or whether I left the oven on). But magnesium has become a small, steady support in my sleep routine—one less thing my body has to fight against.

If sleep is something you struggle with, maybe this is worth a try. Or maybe the answer is something else entirely—switching up your nighttime routine, creating a wind-down ritual, or just giving yourself permission to let go of the day. Whatever it is, know that good sleep isn’t about perfection. It’s about finding what works for you.

My Top 10 Tips for a Good Night’s Sleep

1. Create a Pre-Sleep Routine – As Dr. Gina Poe highlights in her conversation with Mel Robbins, engaging in calming activities before bed, such as taking a warm bath, can significantly improve sleep onset and quality. This practice helps signal to your body that it’s time to wind down, facilitating a smoother transition into restful sleep.
2. Reduce Screen Time – The blue light from screens can trick your brain into staying awake. Try reading a book or listening to calming music instead.
3. Magnesium Supplementation – If you’re struggling with stress and restless nights, magnesium might be a helpful addition to your routine (but always check with a healthcare professional first).
4. Stick to a Schedule – Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day helps regulate your body’s internal clock.
5. Limit Caffeine and Sugar – These can keep you wired long after you want to sleep. Swap your late-night coffee for a herbal tea instead.
6. Exercise, but Not Too Late – Regular movement helps with sleep, but try to avoid intense workouts too close to bedtime.
7. Create a Cozy Sleep Environment – Make your room dark, quiet, and cool. Consider using blackout curtains or a white noise machine.
8. Try Breathing Exercises or Meditation – Deep breathing or guided meditations can help you shift from a stressed state to a relaxed one.
9. Journal Before Bed – Writing down your thoughts can help clear your mind and prevent overthinking at night.
10. Let Go of Sleep Anxiety – Sometimes, stressing about sleep makes it even harder to drift off. Accept that some nights will be better than others, and give yourself grace.

A Sleep Mantra to Let Go of the Day

Tonight, I release the weight of the day.
I am safe. I am held. I am at ease.
My breath is steady, my mind is quiet, my body is ready to rest.
There is nothing more to do, nowhere else to be.
Sleep welcomes me, and I welcome sleep.
Breathe in deeply. Breathe out fully. Let go.

Final Note: While this is a personal account of my sleep journey, it is not medical advice. If you are struggling with sleep-related issues, always seek guidance from a doctor or healthcare professional.

Want to explore more sleep-related tips? Many blogs focus on diet, exercise, and screen time, but one underrated factor is the impact of social connection. Research suggests that feeling supported in your daily life can contribute to better sleep quality. As Mel Robbins discusses in her podcast, having meaningful conversations before bed—whether with a loved one or even through journaling—can help settle your mind and improve restfulness. Prioritizing emotional well-being may just be the missing piece of the puzzle.