Somewhere between the dinner dishes, bedtime books, and nursing sessions, I’ve started easing back into a nighttime routine. It’s not elaborate: I’m not doing a 10-step skincare ritual or winding down with essential oils and meditative journaling. But I am doing a few small things that help me sleep better, take care of myself, and make mornings just a little bit easier.
My sister and I always joke that “the uglier you go to sleep, the prettier you wake up.” It’s funny, and there’s truth in it. When I take a few minutes to prep at night, I wake up feeling slightly more human. And in this season? That’s the win.
I don’t check every box every night. Sometimes I skip the whole routine and crash face-first into bed. But when I do make time for it, here’s what’s currently in my real-life nighttime routine for moms.
My Real-Life Nighttime Routine for Moms
If you’ve read my sleep tips for busy moms, you already know my routine starts earlier than you’d think. I try to knock out a few wind-down tasks after dinner and between the kids’ bedtimes so that, when they’re finally asleep, I don’t feel like my night is just beginning.
Most nights, I aim for:
- Shower, wash my face, or at least swipe with micellar water
- A quick skincare moment — sometimes it’s a few serums, sometimes just moisturizer
- Brush and tie up my hair, then cover it
- Brush teeth, clean retainers, add a lip mask, then mouth tape (yep, we’re going there)
- Prep something tiny for the next morning, like refilling my water or setting out (the right pair of black) leggings
It’s not perfect. It’s not aesthetic. It’s functional. And makes me feel good. And that’s enough.
Nighttime Products I’m Using (and Loving)
These are the products I reach for on repeat lately; the ones that fit into my routine without demanding too much energy.
Sleepy Tie
The Sleepy Tie was on my wish list from the minute I discovered it, and my husband got it for me for Mother’s Day. It’s shockingly effective. My hair looks so good in the morning (and I usually don’t need to brush it!). I will also rock it all day if the day calls for a mom-bun.
Sleep Bonnet
This Amazon sleep bonnet goes over my Sleepy Tie for a little extra frizz protection. It doesn’t always last the whole night, but I notice a difference when I skip it, so I do it anyway.
Lip Mask
My go-to right now is the Burt’s Bees Overnight Lip Treatment. One swipe before bed keeps my lips from drying out overnight. I keep it next to my toothbrush so I don’t forget.
Skincare
At a minimum, I use moisturizer: lately, the e.l.f. Holy Hydration cream. If I’m feeling extra, I add some serums underneath. And when I somehow have a little bonus time, I reach for the Medicube Collagen Overnight Peel-Off Mask. Low lift, surprisingly satisfying.
The Skinny Confidential Mouth Tape
I know — it sounds intense. But on the nights I wear mouth tape, I sleep noticeably better. The built-in slit on the TSC tape makes it feel less claustrophobic and still lets me sip water if I need to.
Note: I’m a TSC partner, but I’d still use this even if I weren’t.
You can find all of these (and a few others) in my Nighttime Favorites collection.
What’s on My Nighttime Wish List
Like every good routine, mine’s still evolving. At the top of my wish list? The CurrentBody red light mask. I first came across it from a skincare influencer I trust, and after reading her science-backed LED mask deep dive, it’s officially the one I’m saving for.
If you’ve tried red light therapy — or found something that makes your nighttime routine for moms feel even 10% better — tell me. I’m always looking for ideas!
Why This Nighttime Routine for Moms Actually Helps
Even when I only do one or two of these things, I sleep better and wake up feeling more grounded. And honestly? That’s everything.
Of course, I still try to follow the habits from my sleep tips for busy moms. But this routine — this collection of cozy, simple, low-pressure rituals — helps me look forward to bedtime again.
If your evenings are chaotic and your mornings feel like a sprint, try adding one small thing to your routine tonight. It doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to make you feel a little more like you.
See this post for more self-care tips to add to your routine.
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Shop My Better Sleep and Nighttime Favorites
Want to check out everything I mentioned in one place?
From cozy skincare to sleep tools I actually use, you can find all my current go-to products in my nighttime favorites collection.
No gatekeeping — just what’s helping this tired mom wind down.
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