A Soft Bedtime Ritual: How Scents and Warmth Help Me Sleep

August 28th — Tonight, the steam from a hot shower wrapped me like a soft blanket. 

My history with sleepless nights 

I've struggled with sleep for as long as I can remember. Falling asleep never came easy to me. My thoughts kept spinning, my body felt restless, and the night stretched endlessly ahead. Over the years I've tried many things, literally every possible supplement and several types of sleeping medication, which I've finally been able to let go of this year. But what has helped me the most isn't one magic fix. It's the power of gentle rituals. 

Why rituals matter 

For me, the most important steps have been creating a calming bedtime routine, and giving myself enough time in the evenings to slow down and unwind. One simple, yet powerful practice is having a carb-rich snack about an hour before bed, and whispering affirmations that remind me I am safe.

Carbs in the evening may sound ordinary, but they gently support the production of serotonin and melatonin — the body's natural helpers for rest. It's like giving your brain a soft nudge: you can slow down now.

Evening rituals are like a modern bedtime story. A signal to my nervous system: you don't have to be on guard anymore, it's safe to rest. Just as children often fall asleep easier with the same familiar words or songs, I too need my repeated signs of safety.

The warmth of water 

A hot shower has become one of the strongest of those signs. The warmth relaxes tense muscles, lowers stress, and tells the body it's time to shift into rest mode. It's not only about hygiene, it's a ritual of coming back to myself.

These short moments under the water are not "just a shower." They are experiences — the touch of soft foam, the scents wrapping me like a hug, the warmth calming me down. Even in a few minutes, it feels like a small ritual that says: I will always take care of you.

Skincare as a ritual of kindness 

I've always been diligent with my facial skincare, but I'll admit that body care often fell behind, mostly out of simple laziness. Lately, though, since I've found products that truly bring me joy, and they've gently encouraged me to care for my body, too. What once felt like an extra step has started to feel like a small ritual of kindness.

And while this is not a beauty blog, I still want to mention a few of my favorite products, because they've become such an important part of my own rituals. For me, skincare and body care aren't about chasing perfection, but about creating soft reminders that I am worthy of care. It also matters to me that the products I use align with my values: cruelty free, committed to high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. When I choose them, it feels like I'm not only caring for myself, but also for something bigger. 

Disclaimer: The following is not sponsored or gifted in any way, just my genuine experience with products I've bought and loved myself. 

A soft bedtime story in a bottle 

This summer, my evenings have been wrapped in the soft scents of Rituals Dream Collection. The light, floral notes have felt perfect for these warm, late-August nights.

The shower foam in particular has been a little joy of mine — soft as a cloud, filling the room with fragrance, making the whole moment feel almost sacred. Its delicate lavender shade fits the Selflavie world perfectly. And after this pampering shower experience, I always take a moment to nourish my skin with the Dream Collection body lotion mousse. It's just perfect for my skin, hydrating enough without leaving any sticky layer, and carrying the same beautiful scent as the shower foam. I love it so much.

And on the following morning, I like to spray a touch of the Dream Collection hair & body mist onto my hair and neck — a soft veil that feels like morning dew, carrying that same gentle scent into my day. 

Unfortunately, the Dream Collection is a limited edition line, which makes it feel even more special, but also means I'll be cherishing every last drop of it. I secretly hope Rituals will bring it back someday. 

And please note, this is not an ad, just my own soft experience with products I truly love. Dream Collection has felt like a gentle bedtime story in itself, helping me slow down and drift into sleep with ease.

Your own bedtime ritual 

Do you already have your own bedtime ritual?
If yes, I'd love to hear what it looks like. And if not, here's mine — maybe it inspires you to create your own:

🌙 Dim the lights and put your phone away few hours before bedtime
🌙 Take a hot shower and let the warmth wash away the day
🌙 Pamper your body with a cream or oil — a small ritual of kindness
🌙 Have a light carb-rich snack about an hour before bed
🌙 If something is on my mind, I write it down — this way my brain gets the message it's taken care of, and I don't need to keep thinking about it
🌙 Place a hand on your heart, whisper affirmations, or simply say thank you for the day

Even the simplest steps can turn into rituals of safety, softness, and rest. ✨

And if you'd like more soft reflections and slow evening moments, you can also find me on Instagram @selflavie. I'd love to have you there. 

Soft hugs,
Selflavie