Did you know that May is Better Sleep Month? It’s true. There’s an actual month dedicated to helping people improve their sleep! And, for good reason. According to the CDC, a third of Americans don’t get the recommended seven hours of sleep per night and a fifth of adults in the U.S. are affected by a sleep disorder. That’s a WHOLE lot of people not stacking Zs at night – and I, for one, am one of them. I am actually writing this on fewer than five hours of sleep, so please forgive me if I start to ramble.

But it’s no surprise that we aren’t sleeping these days, is it? With our 24/7 plugged in and connected world, dreary news and long list of priorities, including work, family, chores, Netflix-binging (I mean, just being honest), sleep can feel like an indulgence. So, this month, I thought, “why not help my fellow readers get some shut eye?” … and perhaps I’ll even cram in a few extra hours myself!

Here’s to dreaming…

Indulge in silky sleepwear

We all know the key to a good night’s sleep is comfort. And that starts with your PJs. However, for many of us, comfort usually equals an old pair of sweat pants and ratty T-shirt. So, what if I told you that if you actually feel like you look good that you will sleep better too? Just as dressing with confidence during the day brings a certain vibe, so does wearing cute and stylish pajamas. It sets the tone for a restful night’s sleep.

However, don’t just select any fabric or style - you'll want something breathable, temperature-controlled and not body-constricting. The Cloud 9 Silky PJ Set by Summersault is the perfect combination of fashion and function. These stylish sets feel smooth like silk, but are actually made from recycled polyester. This way, they're easier to care for and are more durable in the long run. They're also available in a variety of colorful prints that are shrink and pill-resistant. Perfect for my wash and wear lifestyle!

Start from the bottom

If we’re focusing on our pajamas, let’s not forget about what goes underneath! The perfect panties that are breathable, don’t ride-up and feel luxurious are the precise pairing for our nighttime ensemble. Or for you ladies who prefer to wear just your undies (hey, I’m not judging!), you’ll also want full-bottom coverage with a bit of sexiness and comfort to round out your style.

That’s why Her Highness Lace Briefs are ideal for sleeping (or any time, really). These silky-stretch, lace, high-waisted panties are designed with four-way stretch lace for maximum comfort and full-rear coverage that stays put all night long. Plus, they are sexy enough to be worn alone for all of you ladies who prefer to sleep sans PJs! Available in four beautiful colors (onyx, amethyst, rose quartz, and pearl), each pair comes with a free Bloomers Intimates official laundry bag for easy washing.

It’s no wonder Forbes, Refinery 29, The Daily Mail are raving about them! 

Take your vitamins

Sometimes the secret to a great night’s sleep starts from the inside out. As the first line of lozenges to mesh adaptogens (a.k.a. plants and mushrooms that help your body battle stress) and functional ingredients, kindroot’s snooze adaptogems™ had me chilled out and stacking Zs in no time!

The secret to these “gems” is their one-two punch of melatonin and ashwagandha, which promote calmness and sleepiness, as well as the yummy flavor of lavender and warm vanilla. Plus, because they are organic, gluten-free, vegan and only two grams of sugar per lozenge, you can be rest assured that they are healthy too.

After several restful nights taking these, believe me, sweet dreams are made of these!

Soothe your senses

A little aromatherapy goes a long way when it comes to getting better sleep. Lavender, Chamomile and Vetiver have been known to calm both your mind and body, soothing you to sleep. You can breathe in these essential oils individually or, even better, try this award-winning, best-smelling, er selling, pillow spray that combines all three. It not only smells delightful, it's also designed to reduce sleep anxiety, helping you fall asleep faster.

Simply spritz your pillow before you sleep and you’ll be off to dream world before you know it.

Shut out the light

After you've donned your fabulous sleepwear, taken your melatonin and breathed in some soothing scents, it's time to shut off, and out, the lights.

Light can interfere with your sleep cycle, preventing you from getting those much-needed seven hours of Zs, so throw on a sleep mask to block any extra light sources and other distractions throughout the night. Added bonus, sleep shades help prevent wrinkles by protecting your delicate eye skin from getting smooshed while you sleep.

So, what are you waiting for? Stop the scrolling and head to bed already. Night, night!