12 Resolutions for Better Sleep in 2025
Chris HardySleep. The one thing we all crave but never seem to get enough of. In 2025, let’s make it the year we stop dreaming about good sleep and actually start having it. Here are 12 (light-hearted but entirely serious) ideas to turn your restless nights into blissful slumbers.
1. Ban the snooze button
The snooze button is like that friend who says “just one more drink” when you’ve already had three too many. It never ends well. In 2025, commit to setting one alarm and actually getting up when it rings. Think of it as ripping off a plaster – quick, painful, but ultimately better for you. Besides, every extra snooze cycle chips away at the quality of your morning, leaving you groggier than if you’d just faced the day head-on.
If you’re struggling, try moving your alarm across the room so you have to physically get up to silence it. Alternatively, invest in an alarm clock that mimics the sunrise—a gentle glow that coaxes you out of bed without the screech of a traditional alarm.
2. Invest in futuristic sleep tech
If your mattress doesn’t have built-in temperature control, adjustable firmness, and the ability to play whale sounds on command, are you even living in 2025? Sleep tech has come a long way, and while we’re not quite at robot bed butlers (yet), there’s plenty to explore.
Consider smart beds that adapt to your body’s needs throughout the night, wearable devices that provide detailed sleep analysis, or apps that create customised soundscapes. One device even claims to “harmonise” your brainwaves for optimal rest. Skeptical? Perhaps. Tempted? Absolutely. The future of sleep is here, and it’s worth embracing.
3. Create a bedtime playlist
You’ve heard of “lo-fi beats to relax/study to,” but what about “lo-fi beats to fall asleep to”? Curate a playlist that lulls you into dreamland.
Ambient sounds, classical music, or even ASMR are your bedtime besties. Experiment with different genres to find what works for you. Some people swear by rain sounds, while others prefer the steady hum of a fan. The right audio can transport you to a tranquil state, making drifting off as easy as hitting “play.”
4. Adopt a ‘no-screen zone’ policy
This one’s not easy, but it’s worth it. Your bed should be for sleeping, not scrolling. Declare your bedroom a screen-free sanctuary (no phones, tablets, or Netflix marathons). Replace the blue light with the warm glow of a book, and no, a Kindle doesn’t count. Just try to choose a book that isn’t one of those unputdownable thrillers.
Studies show that blue light suppresses melatonin production, disrupting your natural sleep-wake cycle (1). If going cold turkey on screens in the bedroom feels impossible, start small. Implement a 30-minute wind-down period before bed where screens are strictly off-limits. Gradually, you’ll find it easier to unwind and fall asleep.
5. Try a sleep retreat
Why should yoga retreats get all the glory? In 2025, sleep retreats are all the rage. Imagine a weekend away where the itinerary includes power naps, bedtime story sessions, and workshops on perfecting the art of “dozing off.” Sure, it’s indulgent, but who wouldn’t pay for professional-grade shut-eye?
These retreats often feature expert-led sessions on topics like managing insomnia, creating the ideal sleep environment, and using mindfulness techniques to combat bedtime anxiety. Plus, they’re usually set in serene locations with luxurious accommodations. Think of it as a holiday for your brain and body.
6. Turn your bedroom into a sleep haven
Channel your inner interior designer and make your bedroom irresistibly cosy. Think plush bedding, blackout curtains, and a colour scheme so soothing it could calm a toddler mid-tantrum. And let’s not forget the pièce de résistance: the perfect mattress.
Don’t underestimate the power of decluttering, either. A tidy room promotes a tidy mind, making it easier to relax. Add a touch of personalisation with soft lighting, scented candles, or a calming piece of artwork. Your bedroom should be your sanctuary—a place you look forward to retreating to at the end of the day.
7. Embrace the power of naps
Napping isn’t just for toddlers and lazy cats. In 2025, we’re reclaiming the nap as an essential part of adulthood. The key is to keep it short and sweet – 20 minutes max.
If you’re at work, consider lobbying for a designated nap zone. Companies are beginning to realise that well-rested employees are more productive. Until then, a power nap in your car or during lunch might just be the secret weapon you need to conquer the day.
8. Discover the wonders of sleep yoga
No, this isn’t about doing downward dog in your pyjamas. Sleep yoga, or ‘yoga nidra,’ is a practice designed to relax your body and mind completely. It’s like meditation but without the existential dread of trying not to think about anything.
With guided sessions available online, sleep yoga is accessible to everyone. It involves lying down, listening to calming instructions, and allowing your body to enter a state of deep relaxation. Think of it as a spa day for your mind.
9. Experiment with sleep-inducing scents
Lavender, chamomile, sandalwood – if it smells like a spa, it probably helps you sleep. Invest in a diffuser or a good old-fashioned pillow spray. Just be careful not to overdo it, or you’ll end up choking on a cloud of essential oils instead of drifting peacefully into slumber.
Scents work by activating the brain’s limbic system, which influences mood and relaxation (2). Try different combinations until you find one that works for you. For a DIY touch, consider making your own sleep spray with distilled water and a few drops of essential oil.
10. Get serious about your sleep schedule
Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day might sound boring, but it’s the secret sauce for quality sleep. Yes, even on weekends. No, you’re not allowed to rebel by staying up binge-watching box sets. Consistency is king.
Your body thrives on routine. When you stick to a schedule, your internal clock aligns, making it easier to fall asleep and wake up naturally. If you’re transitioning to a new schedule, do it gradually by adjusting your bedtime in 15-minute increments.
11. Ban midnight snacking
Those late-night fridge raids aren’t doing you any favours. Digesting a cheesy toastie at 2 a.m. is hardly conducive to restful sleep. Instead, have a calming herbal tea or a banana before bed if you must. Your gut (and your dreams) will thank you.
Heavy or spicy foods can disrupt your sleep by causing discomfort or acid reflux. Opt for lighter snacks if you’re genuinely hungry. And remember, staying hydrated throughout the day can reduce the likelihood of midnight thirst pangs.
12. Laugh yourself to sleep
Finally, remember that laughter really is the best medicine. Whether it’s watching a feel-good comedy before bed or reading a light-hearted book, going to sleep in a good mood can work wonders. Just don’t pick something so hilarious that you’re shaking with laughter under the duvet.
Laughter reduces stress and promotes the release of endorphins, making it easier to relax. So go ahead and indulge in a silly sitcom or a humorous podcast. Your dreams will likely thank you for the cheerful send-off.
Sweet dreams ahead
In 2025, let’s put restless nights and grumpy mornings behind us. Whether you’re overhauling your bedtime routine, investing in futuristic gadgets, or embracing the ancient art of sleep yoga, these ideas are your ticket to better sleep. Sweet dreams, and may your snores be as soft as your new mattress.
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