The Wind Down With Integrative Optometrist Marina Gurvich, OD

Sleep was never really an issue for me when I was younger. I could go to sleep whenever, wake up whenever, and function well. There were even some nights that I wouldn't get any sleep (hello, college and grad school days) and still be able to manage.

I loved to sleep in, and once I fell asleep, I could sleep through the night without being woken up. This is generally still the case today, but now that I'm older, I definitely can't pull off getting as little sleep as I did back then.

Many health fundamentals such as diet, exercise, sleep, and mindfulness are all equally essential, and I strive to do my best in each category. But if there is one that affects me the most, it's definitely sleep. 

For me, sleeping at the right times is just as important as sleeping enough. I'm a night owl and am most productive in the evenings and late at night. But I notice that if I don't get at least six to seven hours of sleep a night or if I fall asleep after midnight, I am not as sharp the next day.

My mood also changes: I'm more irritable, more anxious, and more negative. Exercise and nutrition don't seem to have the same effect on me. It's interesting to see how each one of us is unique—what works for some people does not for others.

Because I'm aware of how the quality and quantity of my sleep affects me, I prioritize sleep as much as possible. The tools I've found most helpful for sleep are magnesium glycinate, adrenal blend supplements, smoky wood essential oils in my diffuser, and mindbodygreen's dream mist on my pillow. 

7:45 p.m.: It's a Sunday night—my favorite night of the week and the one when I have the best chance of actually completing my ideal wind-down routine. I start by taking a 15-minute walk. 

8 p.m.: Drink a cup of herbal tea. Lately, it's been a mix of chamomile and EveryDay Detox Lemon.

8:30 p.m.: Take my nighttime magnesium and adrenal support supplements.

8:45 p.m.: Do laundry. Not my favorite choice, but I like to do the bedsheets and/or towels on the weekend to get a fresh start for the week. Spray the pillow with my dream mist.

9:15 p.m.: Bath time! I'll fill the bath with the relaxing products above, light a candle, turn down the lights, and soak. Sometimes I turn on soothing music, but usually, I'll just close my eyes and relax in silence, listening to the water and the crackling candle. 

9:40 p.m.: Take a warm shower with soothing lavender soap. 

9:50 p.m.: Brush my teeth and apply a rose water facial mist and face cream.

10 p.m.: Come downstairs to prep any items for my smoothie/breakfast in the morning. Since I'm a night owl, I like to do this prep work ahead of time.

10:10 p.m.: Grab the rest of my supplements: probiotic, COQ10, resveratrol, and quercetin to help my mitochondria. I also have a small snack of a few berries and a spoonful of almond butter to keep my blood sugar from dropping at night as I work on stabilizing it. Fill up my glass of water with lemon.

10:20 p.m.: Get in bed and wrap up a few last-minute tasks on my phone (texts, emails, online shopping...) and jot down a few notes to not forget. I try not to get stuck in this mode. 

10:30 p.m.: Time to relax and do activities that feel good. I'll usually read a motivational book (Wellth, Daily Inspiration, and The Daily Stoic are a few of my go-to's). I like to clear my mind and think of something positive to end the day.

11 p.m.: Starting to get sleepy.