Silly Little Goals and Sleep
(Or Great Big Goals and Sleep)
Let’s talk about the unexpected power of setting silly little goals—because sometimes, those small, almost laughable intentions can be exactly what we need.
TL;DR
In 2024, I was completely over the pressure of setting grand New Year’s resolutions. Instead, I decided to prioritize sleep and set myself a playful yet much-needed goal: to achieve a sleep score of over 95 on my Oura Ring. Fuck “doing things” this girl just want to sleep really well.
It happened a couple of times before the year closed out. AND my average score went right up.
It felt a little cheeky at first—who makes sleep their big annual goal? But honestly, it’s been transformative. Perimenopause has wreaked havoc on my ability to sleep deeply and consistently, and if you’ve ever had disrupted sleep, you know how much it can mess with your energy, mood, and overall ability to function. This goal wasn’t just about getting better sleep — it was about refinding a foundation for everything else in my life.
Why Sleep Goals Are No Joke
Sleep isn’t just restorative—it’s essential. Yet I am a self confessed evening scroller/ Add hormonal shifts into the mix, and sleep becomes even more elusive.
For me, this wasn’t just about getting more sleep—it was about learning to respect sleep. Acknowledging that my energy, creativity, and emotional well-being hinge on quality rest.
Living with Sleep Disruptors
Of course, life isn’t a perfectly controlled sleep study. I share my bedroom with two very different but equally disruptive creatures:
1. My partner, who has the infuriating ability to drop off to sleep instantly, leaving me to navigate his orchestra of snores.
2. Mrs. Dog, whose tappy little toes and midnight rustlings remind me that I am not, in fact, the queen of my sleep domain.
Throw in hormones and the chaos of life, and it’s safe to say that hitting a sleep score of 95 has been no small feat.
Lessons I’ve Learned About Sleep
Here are a few gems I’ve picked up during this journey:
• The week before my period is a sleep minefield. Knowing this has helped me give myself grace and adapt my habits.
• Timing is everything. Forcing myself to bed before I’m truly ready never works. Waiting until I feel like I’m about to drop has been a game-changer.
• Control is an illusion. I can’t micromanage my partner’s snoring or my dog’s nocturnal wanderings. Accepting this (and arming myself with tools—more on that in a moment) has been key.
My Sleep-Support Arsenal
Here are the tried-and-tested things that have made the biggest difference for me: (some links give me a kick back whilst costing you nothing extra)
1. Electrolytes
I’ve started incorporating Oshun Salts during the day and Healthy Metal at night. These little additions keep my body balanced and hydrated, which surprisingly impacts my sleep quality. (side note - these have also made my skin waaaaay more hydrated as noticed by my fave facialist)
2. Natural Remedies
Kind Patches Sleep and Dream: These are incredible. Stick one on as you’re climbing into your PJs, and you’re set. Melatonin in the sleep and valerian in the dream are a bloody lovely combo.
3. Yoga Nidra
A bedtime Yoga Nidra before bed helps me let go of the day and settle into the body and this moment. When I feel myself teetering on the edge of sleep and feeling ready for quiet on then is it time to pop my earplugs in.
4. Loop Earplugs
These. Are. Magic. The Loop Dream earplugs block out the world—whether it’s my partner’s snores, Mrs. Dog’s midnight wanderings, or the distant hum of life outside. If these had existed during the two years I dealt with a challenging neighbour (a long and not-so-fun story), they would have saved my sanity.
Why This Silly Little Goal Matters
At first glance, a sleep goal was a silly little goal. But for me, it’s become a cornerstone for me feeling and living with more vitality. I’ve noticed shifts in my energy, creativity, and ability to handle life’s curveballs. Sleep isn’t a nothing; it’s an action - a way to restore and rebuild.
So, here’s my challenge to you: What’s one “silly little goal” you could set for yourself this year? Maybe it’s not so silly after all.
Because when it comes to showing up fully in life, it all starts with how well you can rest.