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Schlafhygiene Do’s & Don’ts: So findest du endlich erholsamen Schlaf

Sleep hygiene do's & don'ts: how to finally find restful sleep

Why is good sleep so important?

Let's be honest: if you sleep well, you simply live better. Sleep is not a "luxury," but a vital regeneration program for body and mind. While you sleep, a lot of things happen in the background:

  • Your immune system will be strengthened
  • Hormones such as melatonin and cortisol are regulated.
  • Memories are sorted and stored
  • Muscles, skin, and brain cells regenerate

However, studies show that only about 20% of people in Western industrialized nations sleep through the night without interruption. In the long term, lack of sleep is not only annoying, but can also increase the risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, depression, and obesity.

👉 The good news: you can achieve a lot with a few simple changes. And that's exactly what this article is about.

sleep-hygiene-tips-restful-sleep-cat

Sleep Hygiene Do's – What you can do for better sleep

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1. Regular sleep pattern

Our bodies love routines—especially when it comes to sleep. Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends.

💡 Why?

Your internal clock (known as your circadian rhythm) controls hormone production, body temperature, and sleep phases, among other things. A regular rhythm helps your body to optimally adjust to rest and activity.

2. Stay active—but at the right time

Exercise promotes sleep—but please not right before bedtime. Ideally, you should get 30 minutes of moderate exercise a day, e.g., walking, yoga, or light cardio training.

💡 Tip:

Yoga or stretching in the evening also help you to wind down mentally. Why not try our aromatherapy candles from the shop for your evening ritual?

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3. Develop an evening routine

Rituals signal to your body that it's time to wind down. This could be a cup of soothing herbal tea, a warm shower, or 5 minutes of meditation.

✔️ Pay attention to the following points:

  • Dim the lights (no bright ceiling lights!)
  • Put away your cell phone and laptop at least 30–60 minutes before going to sleep.
  • Try breathing exercises or journaling
  • Use relaxing scents – lavender, chamomile, sandalwood

🕯️ Our favorite: A few drops of lavender oil in a diffuser or on your pillow have been proven to have a calming effect.

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4. Create a pleasant sleeping environment

Your bedroom should be an oasis of calm—not a second living room or an office.

👉 What you should pay attention to:

  • Darkness (preferably with blackout curtains)
  • Cool temperature (16–18 °C is ideal)
  • Quiet environment – with white noise or earplugs if necessary
  • Comfortable mattresses and bedding made from breathable materials

💡 A small air freshener or aroma diffuser with soothing essential oils can further improve the indoor climate.

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5. Light dinner & less caffeine

Caffeine in the afternoon? Better not. And a greasy burger before bed? Not a good idea either.

✔️ Do's in the evening:

  • After 4 p.m., it is better to drink decaffeinated beverages or herbal teas.
  • Eat only easily digestible foods 2–3 hours before going to bed.
  • Avoid alcohol, even if it makes you tired—it disrupts the deep sleep phase.
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🔴 Sleep Hygiene Don'ts – What you should avoid

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1. Power naps during the day? Not really.

Even though it's tempting, naps can disrupt your night's sleep—especially if they are too long or too late.

💡 Rule of thumb:

If you absolutely need to take a nap, please limit it to a maximum of 20 minutes —and not after 3 p.m.

sleep-hygiene-tips-restful-evening-sleep-no-cell-phone.

2. Working or scrolling in bed

Cell phones, laptops, and tablets do not belong in bed—period. The more you associate your bed with "activity," the more difficult it will be to relax there.

🛑 Don’t:

  • Check emails
  • Scroll through TikToks
  • Netflix binge until 2 a.m.

✔️ To:

Turn your bed into a pure relaxation zone – for sleeping, cuddling, or reading a real book.

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3. Spontaneous sleep times

Sleeping in on the weekend, long Netflix evenings during the week? Sounds good, but it throws your sleep rhythm off balance.

🚫 Avoid:

  • Going to bed at irregular times
  • "Catching up on sleep" or "making up for lost sleep" – unfortunately, sleep doesn't work that way.
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4. Too much brooding in bed

We've all been there: you've barely hit the hay and your mind is already racing. Instead of tossing and turning for hours, get up, go to another room, do something relaxing (no screens!), and then try again.

💡 Tip: Keeping a notebook next to your bed helps you to "let go" of your thoughts.

Woman crouches on the ice in a bikini – the physical and mental challenge of ice bathing.

🧘‍♀️ Sleep hygiene – individual and learnable

What works for others may not be right for you. Every person is different—just like their sleep needs.

👉 Try out different methods:

  • Aromatherapy?
  • Meditation?
  • Sleep tracking?
  • Relaxation exercises?

Stay curious, mindful, and above all, patient with yourself. Healthy sleeping habits develop over time—but the effect is noticeable.

Wellness tip: Fina Sleep Essentials

If you are looking for natural aids for your evening routine, take a look at our

Our recommendations for better sleep:

🌿 Lavender fragrance oil & diffuser

🕯️ Soothing aroma candles

😴 Herbal teas for the evening

🛌 Eye masks and sleep sprays

Because good sleep is not a matter of chance – it's (also) a question of having the right companions.

Liebenstein organic sauna infusion set, 3 x 100 ml
Woman wearing a hat descends into dark, icy water surrounded by snow-covered ice.
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Limitations: What ice bathing cannot achieve

As helpful as ice bathing can be, it is important to clearly recognize its limitations:

  • It is not a substitute for psychotherapy or medication.
  • Depression is a serious illness that requires professional support.
  • Some people (e.g., those with heart problems) should only try cold exposure after consulting a doctor.

Ice bathing is best understood as a supplement: a tool that can provide additional strength and stability.

Practical tips for people with mood swings

If you want to start ice bathing, especially to stabilize your mood, please note:

  • Start small: taking a cold shower for 20–30 seconds is a good start.
  • Regular rather than extreme: it is better to exercise briefly 2–3 times a week than rarely and for too long.
  • Keep a mood diary: Write down how you feel before and after the cold treatment. This motivates you and shows your progress.
  • Listen to your body: if you feel overwhelmed or anxious, stop. Pressure doesn't help.
  • Seek support: It's easier together – perhaps in a group or with friends.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

► How long does it take for sleep hygiene to improve?

This is individual, but you will often notice the first improvements after just a few days of consistent routine.

► What is the ideal amount of sleep for adults?

Most people need between 7–9 hours of sleep per night.

► Does melatonin help as a dietary supplement?

In the short term, yes, but in the long term, you should find out the cause of your sleep problems. It's best to ask your doctor.

► Is it bad if I sleep poorly sometimes?

No, occasional poor sleep is completely normal. What matters is long-term quality.

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Time to rethink

Sleep is not passive "doing nothing," but active regeneration. With a little knowledge, small changes in habits, and the right wellness rituals, you can massively improve your sleep quality.

💤 So, how about it: go to bed early tonight—with tea, the scent of lavender, and no cell phone.

Your body will thank you. We promise.

Useful links:

Did you enjoy this article or did it help you?

Feel free to share it with friends—or ask us your questions in the comments below or by email.

See you soon in your own wellness oasis! 💙

Next article Ice bathing & depression: how cold water can lift your mood

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