Last week, I posted a picture on Instagram of my nightstand. I posted it because I think that the things a person has on their nightstand say a lot about that person.
Nightstands usually have limited room, so only a few things will fit, and they are usually things that a person deems important enough to need right before, during or right after sleeping.
A got a lot of questions on my Instagram post about the various items in my picture, so I decided to share here rather than try to respond to each question individually.
This is definitely one of my more random posts, (like when I shared what I keep in my purse) so if you aren’t interested, hop over here and find some good recipes for dinner, or learn how to make some lotion bars. 🙂
On the Nightstand
Wake Light: A Wake Light is a natural way to wake up if an alarm clock is needed. Light and nature sounds gradually increase until bright and loud enough to wake you up. I find this much less jarring than a traditional clanging alarm.
Sleep Mask: I keep my room really dark so I don’t always have to use this, but for times that my teenage kids are up with lights on, I keep this around so I don’t wake up. I have an older version of this one that I’ve used since college and it still works great.
Orange Sunglasses: I wrote about them here, but orange sunglasses help minimize exposure to blue light at night, which can help keep melatonin levels in the proper range and lead to deeper sleep. Since I often am working on a computer at night, I wear these and use programs like f.lux to minimize blue light exposure. I also use a Daylight Computer.
Wet Brush: The most gentle brush I’ve found and the one I use on my daughters’ hair to avoid the drama of their tender-headedness.
Fertility Monitors: I’ve written before about why I don’t use hormonal contraceptives and the natural alternatives I use to space pregnancies. The white one with the screen is the OvaCue which tests both saliva and vaginal pH and is the most accurate I’ve found. I also use the Fertile Focus Microscope which detects hormone changes from saliva and the iBasal (looks like a thermometer) which charts based on temperature.
Massage Roller Ball: Even with a standing desk, my shoulders get tense from spending time on the computer. This thing helps tremendously. I also use this thing during labor and it is wonderful. They don’t fit on the nightstand, but I also use the Rumble Roller and the Body Back Buddy to release muscle tension at home.
Hydroflask: It wasn’t there when I took this picture, but I also usually have my Hydroflask on the nightstand when I’m sleeping in case I get thirsty. I reviewed them here and my favorite is the 40-ounce insulated one with a wide-mouth straw lid.
Occasionally: An essential oil diffuser but it is on my dresser right now. Also, I occasionally keep salt lamps on there but have it on the dresser as well.
Also, the cord for my earthing sheet runs behind the nightstand and plugs into the ground outlet.
In the drawer (not pictured):
Flashlight: I’ve always keep a flashlight by the bed which has come in handy a few times when power has gone out or when I have heard the dog making strange noises at night and had to check it out. I have this one in my nightstand and a similar one in my purse.
Books I’m currently reading, but I usually stick to spiritual reading or really light reading before bed. I love health books and even medical journals but find that those get my mind going and make it hard to sleep. Anyone else have this problem?
Coconut Oil and Lotion Bars: Because those are in pretty much every room of my house.
Magnesium Oil, Relaxing Essential oils, and Organic Socks: To rub magnesium oil on my feet (and my kids’ feet) at night to help improve sleep. I’ve been tracking sleep with an Oura Ring and it proves magnesium definitely improves my sleep score.
Journal: I find that sometimes journaling at night helps get projects off my mind and helps me sleep. I also keep post-it notes or a small notebook with my journal so as I think of to-do items I can write them down so I’m not thinking about them while I’m falling asleep. I love these leather journals since they are good quality and look nice on a shelf if you happen to keep them once full.
What is NOT on it:
Cell phone or charger or any electronic device.
An alarm clock with glowing letters or light of any kind.
Sleep Environment
I take our sleep environment very seriously and try to keep our room dark, cool and with minimal noise. I don’t like having electronics near our bed (one reason I use the Oura — you can use it in airplane mode) and I definitely won’t ever have a TV in the bedroom. I write more about my sleep environment in this post.
Your turn- what items do you keep by your bed? Tell me below!
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