Sleep Routines With Dr. Alexandra Davidson: Creating Rest Rituals That Actually Work

Dr. Alexandra Davidson is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner and a Certified Functional Medicine Provider through The Institute for Functional Medicine. She is a member of the team at Eleven Eleven Wellness Center - an integrative and longevity medicine clinic in the heart of New York City. 

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My Personal Sleep Routine: Creating Rest Rituals That Actually Work

If there’s one area of wellness that I refuse to compromise on, it’s sleep and rest. As someone who’s committed to feeling good in my body and mind, I’ve learned that sleep is truly foundational — not just for energy, but for hormone balance, immune health, mental clarity, and emotional regulation.

Over the years, I’ve refined a sleep routine that works incredibly well for me. It's not about being perfect every night, but rather about setting up a rhythm that my body and mind can rely on. That said, I want to be clear: you can do anything, but you can’t do everything. My hope in sharing this is that it inspires you to take what resonates and build your own version that fits your life.

Why I Prioritize Sleep

I used to think sleep was something you just “got” or didn’t — like it was up to chance. But good sleep is actually built during the day. It’s influenced by how you move, eat, manage stress, and most importantly, how you wind down. Furthermore, sleep is essential for hormone regulation, immune strength, brain detoxification, memory, mood, heart health and even longevity. It’s when the body repairs and resets, making quality sleep a foundation for feeling your best. The body craves rhythm, and creating intentional rituals around sleep has helped me experience deeper rest and more consistent energy during the day. 

Here’s What My Sleep Routine Looks Like

Winding Down Starts Early

I begin my wind-down around 8pm, when I consciously start to shift into a slower pace. I dim the lights, limit stimulating conversations or tasks, and switch gears from productivity mode to rest mode. This helps signal to my nervous system that it’s safe to relax.

Same Bedtime & Wake Time

I go to sleep and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends. This consistency helps anchor my circadian rhythm, which makes falling asleep and waking up feel natural rather than forced. 

Morning Movement

I exercise in the morning, which not only boosts my mood and metabolism but helps me fall asleep easier at night. Morning sunlight and movement help regulate cortisol and melatonin, two key hormones that govern our sleep-wake cycle.

A Clean, Made Bed

I make my bed every morning — not just for aesthetics, but because I love the feeling of crawling into a clean, well-made space at night. It sets the tone for rest and feels like an act of self-respect.

Hatch Alarm + Meditation Tools

In the evening, I use my Hatch alarm to transition out of the day. Sometimes I’ll add in binaural beats or an extra meditation if I feel my mind is busy or I need extra grounding.

Avoiding Heavy Meals & Alcohol

I avoid large meals and alcohol close to bedtime. Both can interfere with deep sleep and digestion, leaving me groggy or restless. Lighter, nourishing dinners feel best in my body.

Sleep Sanctuary: Dark, Quiet, and Cool

My bedroom is my sleep sanctuary: dark, quiet, and cool. These elements support melatonin production and help my body fully drop into restorative sleep.

Pajamas & Personal Rituals

There’s something about slipping into my RANI Lounge pajamas that instantly signals it’s time to unwind. Their buttery-soft fabric and effortlessly chic design make my nighttime routine feel like a cozy, luxurious ritual. I also love putting on my red light glasses to block out blue light from screens and overhead lights, which helps preserve melatonin.

Skin & Body Care

My skincare routine is another form of wind-down. I use non-toxic products to cleanse and moisturize my skin and body, which feels nurturing and grounding.

Bath or Sauna

A warm bath or short sauna session is one of my favorite ways to shift into parasympathetic mode. The rise and subsequent drop in body temperature naturally promotes sleepiness.

Supplement Stack

I take a simple, effective sleep stack that works well for my body:

• Glycine - for calming the nervous system

• Magnesium - to relax muscles and ease tension

• L-theanine & GABA - to support the brain in shifting into sleep mode

  
  
  

Finding What Works for You

This routine didn’t come together overnight. It’s the result of experimentation, listening to my body, and finding what’s sustainable  for me. You don’t have to do all of this — and frankly, you shouldn’t try to do it all at once.

Instead, start with one or two changes that feel realistic for your life. Maybe it’s getting to bed at the same time, dimming lights earlier, or trying a calming supplement. Over time, these small shifts add up to big changes in how you feel.

Final Thoughts

Rest is not a luxury — it’s a biological necessity. When you honor your body’s need for true rest, everything else starts to feel easier. Whether you're navigating hormone imbalances, stress, mood changes, or simply want to feel more like yourself, prioritizing sleep is a powerful place to begin.