Battling to fall asleep at night? As a creative, I often find that by the time I’m ready to hop into bed, I cannot fall asleep. My brain is active and busy with all sorts of things I was working on during the day or projects planned for the next day or week.

To keep the “Sleep Monsters” away, I have personally tried various things to see if I can steer away from lying in bed and counting sheep.

Running has proven to be a great help. I would finish work, put on trainers and go for a five to ten-kilometre run, whilst listening to music and enjoying fresh air. 

Cycling is another of my favourites. I’ll hop on the bike, after work, and do a quick urban blitz. It relaxes the body and clears the mind of cobwebs.

Walking whilst listening to music is an alternative activity which I personally enjoy. The movement of your arms swinging at the side of your body allows your body to relax and the tension that builds up during the day, to literary flow out. Well, that is how I feel about it.

Tabata Sessions are for wet and cold days. That is when I pull out my exercise mat and enjoy a 30 minute Tabata session with a full-body stretching routine after.

After all the various physical activities, I normally have a hot shower followed by a cup of tea. By the time I’m ready for bed, I’m completely relaxed and have no problem falling asleep then or later.

There are however those days that I either do not get time to train or my training session is in the morning. On these days I embrace sweet warm liquid comfort if sleep eludes me.

Milk and Honey have been a go-to drink of mine since forever! I would typically have a hot shower or bath before bedtime. Sneak into the kitchen and heat some Full Cream Milk in a cup in the microwave. Once the milk forms little bubbles on the side of the cup, it comes out and I stir in a teaspoon of Honey, some Vanilla and last a sprinkling of Cinnamon on top. This little spiced up hot brew gets carted back to my cosy bed, where I will slowly sip it whilst reading a book for leisure. By the time my drink is finished, the drowsiness has kicked in. It is then very easy for me to switch off the light, cover up and be asleep within minutes. Magic!

Why Milk and Honey? It is said that milk and honey affect the Melatonin levels in your system. Melatonin is a hormone released in your body, regulating your sleep-wake cycle.

Milk Honey Cinnamon Delight – Download your Freebie Recipe Card here!

Every person is different. The way our body and mind responds differs from one person to another. The little tricks I mentioned here are what work for me. If you also battle to fall asleep at night, please do try it out. Be sure that when you make the Milk and Honey Brew that you are not allergic to any of the ingredients. Enjoy!

Artwork by Luculle Stols – @real.life.rebel on Instagram