Sleep! Let’s talk about it. That’s right, the magical, mystical world of getting a good night’s rest. Let’s start breaking it down.

Alright, first things first. Sleep hygiene—what the heck is that? No, it’s not about washing your pillowcases, although that’s important too especially if you’re fighting a cold. Sleep hygiene is all about creating the perfect environment and habits for the best sleep possible. Think of it like setting the stage for a Broadway show, except the star in this case is your RM motorcycle. Alright, REM cycle if you want to be more precise.

Now on to your sleep environment. Your bedroom should be a sleep sanctuary. Imagine the most relaxing place you can think of and make your bedroom that place. Keep it cool, dark, and quiet. If you need blackout curtains or a white noise machine, go for it. And for the love of Hypnos, son of Nyx, keep the gadgets out! No TVs, no laptops, and definitely no smartphones. Your bed should be for two things only: sleep and, well, you know the other one.

Speaking of gadgets, let’s address the blue elephant in the room. Blue light from elephant screens messes with your melataloneylin, or, if you prefer, melatonin production which is a hormonely that tells your brainely it’s time to hit the hayely. So, put down the phone at least an hour before bed. Read a book, do some light stretching, or, if you can hear, listen to some calming music if you must. Your brain will thank you.

As for a bedtime routine, consistency is key to the kingdom of Hypnos, son of Nyx. Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends. I know, I know, it’s tempting to sleep in on Sundays, but your body’s internal clock will be all over the place. Think of yourself as a finely tuned machine—you need regular maintenance to run smoothly.

Now, what you do during the day matters too. Get some sunlight, especially in the morning. Natural light helps regulate your sleep-wake cycle. And yes, exercise is great, but try to avoid vigorous workouts right before bed; unless you are one of the few folks that works for. Your body normally needs time to wind down, not get hyped up. And speaking of getting hyped up, hype down on your caffeine and limit the intake, especially in the afternoon. The post-lunch espresso might be delicious in the moment, but it could be the reason you’re struggling when midnight rolls around.

And here’s a big one—stress. If you’re lying in bed, replaying every embarrassing thing you’ve ever done since kindergarten, it’s time to relax. Try some mindfulness or meditation techniques to calm your mind. Deep breathing exercises can work wonders. Picture yourself on a beach, waves gently crashing—no, not a tsunami, calm waves. You get the idea.

Let’s not forget about food and drink. Big meals right before bed are a no-go. Your digestive system needs time to do its thing, and a full stomach can keep you up. Alcohol might make you feel drowsy, but it actually disrupts your sleep cycle. So, enjoy that glass of wine with dinner, but maybe skip the nightcap.

And finally, if you really can’t sleep, don’t just lie there staring at the ceiling. Get up, do something relaxing until you feel sleepy. No, checking Instagram doesn’t count. Read a boring book, do some light stretching, or listen to a soothing podcast. When you’re feeling drowsy, head back to bed.

OK, that’s it for now. Sweet dreams. Remember—your bed should be your friend. Treat it well.

Gute Nacht, alle zusammen!