I get asked about nighttime rituals a lot.
Though I always ask high-profile podcast guests about their morning routines, the evening wind down can get neglected.
So, what to do if you have trouble falling asleep? Or, like nearly all males in my family, you have severe onset insomnia? The morning might be a breeze, while the darkness is a nightmare.
I thought it’d be fun to look at a real-world example, sent to me via text by Justin Boreta, best known as “Boreta” of The Glitch Mob, one of the world’s biggest electronic bands. Their music has been featured in movies like Sin City II, Edge of Tomorrow, Captain America, and Spiderman.
Below is what he SMS’d me after listening to my 5 Tools I Use for Faster and Better Sleep (Thanks for permission to share, Justin!):
Ahoy, Cap’n Ferriss 🙂 I just heard your sleep podcast and wanted to share a great little routine I’ve been doing.
An incredible composer named Max Richter created this 8-hour album that is designed to help you fall asleep. http://time.com/4022816/max-richter-sleep/
There is a shortened version that I listen to on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/7tP7WLxusDpTi1gf1JFsrT
I put it on very quietly as I am starting my bedtime routine, so it usually ends 15-20 minutes after I’m asleep. Or I will use the Sonos sleep timer, if I’m at home.
It started to have this Pavlovian knockout effect after a while if I use it every day, like a lullaby.
Alternatively, if that’s too much melody, there’s an artist called Mute Button that has high-quality, long-field recordings. The gentle rain sounds + sleep timer are fantastic. I find it great to drown out hotel sounds when traveling. https://open.spotify.com/artist/53gtZjk5vhB6CxRUEbnPet
If you find these tips useful, don’t miss my longer interview with Justin, which is full of detailed tactics for life and business.
Questions for you all — Would you like me to describe more nighttime routines of top performers? And what nighttime routines or tools have you found most helpful in your own life?
Please let me know in the comments below. Thanks!
Sweet dreams,
Tim