Say “I Do” to Rest: How Better Sleep Can Help You Thrive Before the Big Day
Say “I Do” to Rest: How Better Sleep Can Help You Thrive Before the Big Day
By Dorothy Watson
There’s a lot of excitement leading up to a wedding, but let’s not pretend it’s all sunshine and rose petals. From planning menus to managing guest lists to navigating budgets and family dynamics, the emotional load can be exhausting. That’s why one of the most underrated ways to protect your mental health during this chapter of your life is to prioritize sleep. Better sleep doesn’t just mean more rest—it means more clarity, less anxiety, better moods, and even a stronger immune system.
Create a Bedroom Built for Actual Sleep
You may not realize just how much your bedroom is affecting your ability to rest. Sure, it’s got a bed and maybe a cozy lamp, but is it actually helping your brain wind down? Too much clutter, bright lighting, even the hum of electronics can interfere with your body’s cues to relax. Start by dimming the lights about an hour before bed and turning off anything that glows or pings. Keep the temperature cool; between 60 and 67 degrees tends to be ideal. Blackout curtains can block early sunlight or street lamps, and soft textures like cotton sheets or a plush rug help ease your senses into sleep mode.
If the Problem Goes Deeper, See a Doctor
Sometimes, you can change the lighting, the sheets, the sounds, and your entire evening routine, but still feel like you’ve been hit by a truck each morning. That’s a sign there may be an underlying health condition at play. Sleep apnea, anxiety, chronic pain, and hormonal imbalances are just a few of the culprits that can hijack your rest from the inside out. If nothing else is working, talk to your doctor and request a wellness exam. These are usually covered by insurance, along with further testing or therapies. If you don’t currently have coverage or need better options, explore your options now so that you can finally get the answers—and the relief—you deserve.
Try Meditation to Signal Sleep Mode
Meditation isn’t just for yogis and wellness influencers. It’s a down-to-earth tool anyone can use, especially if racing thoughts keep you from drifting off. Apps like Insight Timer, Calm, or Headspace offer guided meditations that specifically target sleep. These can include body scans, deep breathing, or visualizations that help your nervous system shift from alert to restful. Even if you’ve never meditated before, just five minutes of stillness and focused breathing can cue your body to relax. Over time, this nightly ritual can condition your mind to recognize when it’s time to rest.
Don’t Let Stress Hijack Your Sleep Schedule
When you lie in bed and your thoughts start spiraling—Will the DJ show up? Is Aunt Marge going to drink too much?—Your nervous system is too activated to sleep. Managing stress doesn’t mean eliminating everything that might go wrong. Instead, it’s about creating habits that give your body and brain a fighting chance to relax. A five-minute journaling session before bed can help you mentally “file away” your worries. Even something as simple as a warm shower or slow stretching routine sends a signal to your body that it’s safe to unwind. By setting a regular wind-down routine, you reduce the mental noise that tends to peak when everything else gets quiet.
Rethink What You’re Consuming Before Bed
It’s tempting to crash on the couch with a glass of wine and your phone after a long day, but that combo might be sabotaging your sleep. Alcohol initially acts like a sedative, but it disrupts REM cycles later in the night. Caffeine, of course, is another major culprit—even if you stopped drinking coffee by the afternoon, some people are especially sensitive to it. Try swapping that late-night glass of red for a cup of chamomile tea or warm oat milk. And when you do reach for your phone or laptop, set a cut-off time. The blue light they emit suppresses melatonin, making it harder to fall and stay asleep.
Move Your Body, Feed Your Brain
Healthy sleep doesn’t exist in a vacuum. How you move and eat during the day has a ripple effect on your rest at night. Regular exercise helps regulate your circadian rhythm, reduces stress hormones, and can even help you fall asleep faster. Just try not to work out right before bed. Meanwhile, a balanced diet rich in protein, healthy fats, and whole foods keeps your blood sugar stable and reduces nighttime wake-ups. Avoid heavy or spicy meals late in the evening, and stay hydrated during the day instead of chugging water right before bed.
Upgrade What’s Underneath You
You’d be surprised how many people struggle with sleep simply because their bed isn’t doing them any favors. If your mattress is over eight years old, sags in the middle, or leaves you waking up with aches, it might be time for an upgrade. A supportive mattress tailored to your sleep position can dramatically improve not only your rest but also your mood and energy levels. Don’t forget about pillows and bedding, too. If your sheets are scratchy or your blanket traps too much heat, you’re going to toss and turn instead of slipping into deep sleep. Consider your sleep surface an investment in your well-being.
Sleep isn’t a luxury—it’s a survival tool, especially when your days are packed with decisions and deadlines. As you plan for your future with your partner, don’t overlook the very real mental health benefits of good rest. Build a bedroom that welcomes you in, establish habits that gently transition your brain into sleep mode, and don’t be afraid to ask for help if something feels off. This chapter of your life deserves your full presence, and the best way to show up for it is by getting the rest you need tonight.
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