{"id":23422,"date":"2025-09-22T10:50:43","date_gmt":"2025-09-22T09:50:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wowbeauty.co\/?p=23422"},"modified":"2025-11-14T13:07:28","modified_gmt":"2025-11-14T12:07:28","slug":"i-tried-a-7-day-sleep-challenge-to-improve-rest-heres-what-happened","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wowbeauty.co\/health-and-wellbeing\/i-tried-a-7-day-sleep-challenge-to-improve-rest-heres-what-happened\/","title":{"rendered":"I tried a 7-day sleep challenge to improve rest: here\u2019s what happened"},"content":{"rendered":"

We all know how important sleep is and strive to get as much of it as we can\u2026 but are we actually getting deep, restorative sleep? That\u2019s not as easy! I find that it takes me quite a while to get to sleep, plus I find myself waking up multiple times in the night and this leaves me waking up feeling like I\u2019ve barely slept\u2026 not ideal for getting a good night\u2019s sleep!<\/p>\n

So, I decided to set myself a 7 day sleep challenge, incorporating small rituals each evening to see if it makes any difference in improving the quality of my sleep, or even to see if it could help me drift off a little faster.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s how it went\u2026<\/p>\n

<\/span>Day 1: No screens 30 minutes before bed<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

On day 1 and the phone went on charge, tucked away for the night to get me away from scrolling and the blue light from the screens. Blue light<\/a> from screens interferes with melatonin, the sleep hormone, and endless scrolling can keep your mind from winding down.<\/p>\n

No more doomscrolling \u2013 as an avid reader, switching to reading before bed is something I often do, but I made an intentional shift and told myself not to touch my phone at all. This included my kindle: so I popped down to the local library and grabbed a physical book to settle down with and help my mind to unwind.<\/p>\n

<\/span>Day 2: Breathwork before bed<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

Your breath is directly linked to your nervous system. By taking slow, intentional breaths<\/a>, you lower your stress hormones and tell your body you are safe and ready for sleep.<\/p>\n

I spent 5-10 minutes inhaling for 4, exhaling for 6 and this worked wonders to help me calm my mind and body as I got ready for bed.<\/p>\n

<\/span>Day 3: A calming cup + support from within<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

Today I decided to add to my ritual with a warming drink. My drink of choice with the WelleCo Evening Elixir<\/a> as it\u2019s a low calorie, cocoa infused treat infused with goodies to help you sleep, but you can also try a herbal tea like chamomile, lemon balm or lavender. These help to signal to your body that the day is done: and gives you time to pause and be present with each warm sip.<\/p>\n

You could also explore natural supplements like magnesium<\/a> to help to soothe your muscles and calm the nervous system, or you could try herbal blends with things like ashwagandha<\/a> or passionflower. These can help support your sleep<\/a> too.<\/p>\n

Together, these help to nourish your body and mind and help you unwind and prepare for deep sleep.<\/p>\n

Day 4: A sleep sanctuary reset\"sleep