What I Changed When I Was Tired of Being Tired (A Natural Sleep Reset)

As I have crept into my 40's, sleep has been more and more evasive.

Busy days. Running a business. Raising a family. The endless "To Do List". Late-night thoughts that wouldn’t turn off.

But I started noticing how much better I feel — physically, emotionally, spiritually — when I sleep well. So instead of reaching for quick fixes, I decided to go back to the basics.

And slowly… they’re working.

Here’s what I’m doing and what has truly helped.

☀️ 1. Morning Sunlight Is Non-Negotiable

Within 30 minutes of waking, I try to step outside. Even just a few minutes of natural light tells my body:

“This is morning.”

That one habit has helped my body naturally feel sleepy at night again.

🌿 2. Slowing Down Before Bedtime

Instead of scrolling or watching TV, I dim the lights, put my phone away earlier, and give myself a transition period.

Some nights that looks like:

• A warm shower or bath

• Stretching on the floor

• Reading something calming

• A prayer of gratitude

It doesn’t have to be complicated — just intentional. And if my better half wants to watch the tube (we all have our own journeys!), I simply put on a pair of blue light blocking glasses.

🛁 3. Magnesium at Night (Our Favorite Ritual)

One of my favorite changes has been using magnesium consistently.

I make a magnesium body butter at Cooper’s Cabin, and every night I rub it into my feet — and my husband’s too. It has honestly become one of my favorite little rituals.

Our feet and skin are incredibly absorbent, and magnesium is known to:

• Support relaxation

• Ease muscle tension

• Calm the nervous system

• Help prepare the body for restful sleep

It’s simple. It’s grounding. It signals to my body: we’re winding down now.

And that consistency matters more than anything.

🍵 4. Simple Natural Supports

I’ve also been incorporating:

• Herbal tea (not too much as to minimize bathroom trips!)

• Earlier caffeine cut-off

• Protein at dinner

• Lower lights after sunset

Nothing extreme. Just supportive habits.

🧠 5. The Nervous System Piece (This Was Huge)

I realized my sleep wasn’t just about being tired — it was about being wired.

Stress. Mental load. Thinking about tomorrow.

So I’ve been practicing:

• Slow breathing

• Legs up the wall

• Lying flat on the floor for five minutes before bed

• Choosing not to scroll at night

Sleep started improving when I focused on calming my nervous system — not forcing sleep.

🤍 What I’ve Learned

Better sleep isn’t about perfection.

It’s about rhythms. Light. Consistency. Minerals and Protein. Intentional slowing down.

And for me, that little magnesium foot massage each night has become a sweet reminder that rest is something we prepare for — not something we rush into.

If you’re struggling with sleep, I encourage you to start small.

Sunlight in the morning. Dim lights at night. A calming ritual. Support your body gently.

It adds up.

Rest Well,

Emily

Cooper’s Cabin