Bedtime Relaxation Tips
By Aubrey Wurst
November 18, 2025
Photo Credit: Mattress Clarity
College is full of activities, from the moment students wake up in the morning to when they go to bed, there is always something going on that takes energy and focus.
Getting restful sleep is an essential part of being able to partake in all the activities students love, but relaxing before bed to ensure good sleep is not easy for everyone.
It is easy to get distracted by your thoughts when you lay down for the night, but perfecting a nighttime routine is a great way to tell your mind you are ready for bed and it is time to calm down.
Gracie Wilson, a junior Business major, winds down by drinking tea and turning her fan on. “I put my fan on the highest setting so I have noise in the background,” Wilson said.
Wilson’s favorite way to calm down is to facetime her boyfriend each night. By having a routine she sticks to rarely strays away from, she said she typically never has issues falling asleep.
Data from the CDC shows that 60% of college students either do not get restful sleep, or are not getting enough sleep.
Caitlin Olensky, a junior sociology major, tosses and turns at bedtime, but when she takes time for herself she is able to relax.
“When I watch TV before bed it helps me wind down especially after homework, or if I take a hot shower before I go to bed that helps too,” Olensky said.
Olensky, like many others, is not getting the most out of her sleep due to tossing and turning, but the nights she sticks to her routine she feels better,
Other sleep beneficial activities include lighting a candle, taking a bath or reading your favorite book before bedtime.
Lighting a candle or using a lamp before bedtime can be very beneficial to your sleep quality.
Investing in fairy lights or LED lights is another way to help your body wind down for bed. Bright overhead lights at night can disrupt your internal clock, according to the New York Times, making your brain think you should be awake.
Both Wilson and Olensky said they did not know overhead lights affect sleep, but said they use their lamps at night which subconsciously helps their bodies get ready for bed.
Restful sleep is such an important part of being able to function at your best. By prioritizing sleep, students will feel more energized for the day, happier, and tend to be more productive.
Gracie Wilson :
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IsbokrGmVcf06wGQjpvqFGBfFzEGsaPm/view?usp=share_link
Caitlin Olensky :
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1oeeWBCClwcybgxvwxVVJGuyUAs30Bvay/view?usp=share_link
Getting restful sleep is an essential part of being able to partake in all the activities students love, but relaxing before bed to ensure good sleep is not easy for everyone.
It is easy to get distracted by your thoughts when you lay down for the night, but perfecting a nighttime routine is a great way to tell your mind you are ready for bed and it is time to calm down.
Gracie Wilson, a junior Business major, winds down by drinking tea and turning her fan on. “I put my fan on the highest setting so I have noise in the background,” Wilson said.
Wilson’s favorite way to calm down is to facetime her boyfriend each night. By having a routine she sticks to rarely strays away from, she said she typically never has issues falling asleep.
Data from the CDC shows that 60% of college students either do not get restful sleep, or are not getting enough sleep.
Caitlin Olensky, a junior sociology major, tosses and turns at bedtime, but when she takes time for herself she is able to relax.
“When I watch TV before bed it helps me wind down especially after homework, or if I take a hot shower before I go to bed that helps too,” Olensky said.
Olensky, like many others, is not getting the most out of her sleep due to tossing and turning, but the nights she sticks to her routine she feels better,
Other sleep beneficial activities include lighting a candle, taking a bath or reading your favorite book before bedtime.
Lighting a candle or using a lamp before bedtime can be very beneficial to your sleep quality.
Investing in fairy lights or LED lights is another way to help your body wind down for bed. Bright overhead lights at night can disrupt your internal clock, according to the New York Times, making your brain think you should be awake.
Both Wilson and Olensky said they did not know overhead lights affect sleep, but said they use their lamps at night which subconsciously helps their bodies get ready for bed.
Restful sleep is such an important part of being able to function at your best. By prioritizing sleep, students will feel more energized for the day, happier, and tend to be more productive.
Gracie Wilson :
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IsbokrGmVcf06wGQjpvqFGBfFzEGsaPm/view?usp=share_link
Caitlin Olensky :
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1oeeWBCClwcybgxvwxVVJGuyUAs30Bvay/view?usp=share_link