How I Fall Asleep in College

Falling asleep in college can be hard. With so much to do, I find my mind still racing and covering tasks and to-do lists from the day. I’ve found that setting up a reliable routine helps me in preparing for bed.

I start by flossing. I can do this while watching TV, chatting with a friend on the phone, or doing just about anything. After I floss, I turn on my salt lamp (which provides more gentle light than my standard standing lamp), and I leave to the sink to brush my teeth, making sure to get all those molars. Finally, I wash my face and moisturize before getting back in bed. I turn off my salt lamp and settle into the restful and clean feeling. I used to not understand or appreciate night routines and thought they were ridiculous, and that I could fall asleep anywhere, any time.

I was wrong. 

Whenever I skip parts of or my whole night routine, I immediately feel it upon turning off my lights for sleep. I didn’t take the time to spend with myself, preparing myself for bed, which means it’ll be more difficult to fall asleep. Getting a restful night’s sleep is so important in all stages of life, and learning how to achieve that consistently took time and some habit-forming. I’m certainly glad I created my night routine and learned to stick to it. For me, it’s a form of self care that is achievable and that I can do every day, and it puts me in the right headspace before drifting off to sleep.

-Duval C.