5 Things I Changed To Get Better Sleep (and Create Better Health)

October 21, 2025

5 Things I Changed To Get Better Sleep (and Create Better Health)

Vanessa Christenson

Owner of V & Co., Vanessa is wife to a great man and a mother of four. She loves to engage her creativity with fabric. Vanessa designs an array of quilts, bags, and accessories for the home.

When I started this whole blogging journey (almost 20 years ago????) I was in survival mode, I was burning the candle at both ends, I was running on empty, I was ugh, what’s another cliche I can put in here…Here’s the thing: sleep was hard for me. My spouse was overseas deployed. I was alone with 4 small children away from all my family. So I went all in with what the world glorifies of busy schedules, late nights, and endless to-do lists… And I was getting it done! BUT My health started to struggle and it wasn’t just physically. Mentally I started to struggle as well. One could say its’ because of the stress we were going through, and yes, you’re right…but I def put sleep at the bottom of my priorities. When in fact it’s one of the most powerful tools we have for health, wellness and productivity. Sleep isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Let’s dive into why it matters so much and 5 things I did that is helping me transform my life and hopefully help you too.

Why Sleep Matters

Sleep is more than just downtime for your body. It’s an active, restorative process where your brain and body repair, recharge, and prepare for a new day. Without enough of it, every area of your life—from your mood to your immune system—takes a hit.

Here are a few key ways sleep impacts your well-being:

Boosts brain function
While you sleep, your brain consolidates memories, processes information, and clears out toxins. Good sleep improves focus, creativity, and problem-solving and hello as a quilter AND mother I NEED all these functions!
Strengthens the immune system
During deep sleep, your body releases proteins that help fight infection and inflammation. Skimping on rest makes you more vulnerable to colds, flus, and other illnesses. Think about it, when your run ragged, it’s easier to get whatever is going around at the office, school, or even the fabric store. 😉
Supports mental health
Lack of sleep can fuel stress, anxiety, and irritability. Quality sleep helps regulate mood, keeping you calmer, more patient, and better able to handle challenges. Which in turn can help us just feel more hopeful.
Improves physical health
Sleep supports heart health, regulates blood sugar, and even helps maintain a healthy weight by balancing hunger hormones. I’m a runner, and if I don’t get enough sleep, I’m sluggish and feel like a ton of bricks are on my back while I’m trying to get some exercise. And it’s not just running, if you’ve been on any kind of health journey I’m sure you’ve heard of the hormone Cortisol. When your body is stressed this hormone is released from your adrenal gland and can wreak havoc in regulating your metabolism. Hello! I don’t need anything else messing with my metabolism thank you very much!

Tips for Better Sleep

The good news? Small changes can make a big difference. Here are a few simple strategies to get better rest. Much like when I was on autopilot trying to be a single mom to young kids, had I put in place these habits I then I would’ve gotten better rest and probably been able to handle some of my stressors a little better. Great news: It’s never too late, and starting now is equally as important:

Stick to a schedule – Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day (yes, even on weekends…I do this Mon-Sat but sleep in a little later on Sundays. I guess I’m still a little bit of a rule breaker)
Create a wind-down routine – Dim the lights, read a book (make sure you put the dark mode on if you’re doing an electronic book). Another great thing to do before getting into the bed is doing some slow long stretches.
Limit screens and food – Put away phones and TVs at least 1-2 hours before sleep. This includes reading on a kindle, but if you only do electronic books make sure you do dark or night mode to lessen blue light exposure right before bed time. Stop eating food of any kind at least 3 hours before going to bed. This helps you digest some before you lie down, and less likely to cause things like heartburn.
Make your bedroom a sleep haven – Keep it cool (if you can 69 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal) , dark (light blocking shades if possible), and quiet (or if you need a white noise machine). Jake and I are now empty nesters so yeah, I get it if this one is a pipe dream, we had 4 kids, and we are now able to hit every marker on this one!
Be mindful of caffeine – Avoid coffee, caffeinated and energy drinks in the afternoon and evening. Depending on your sensitivity, a good general rule is no caffeine after your tolerance time (aka 12pm or 3pm if you are more used to caffeine) I’m so sensitive to caffeine since I only mainly do it when I’m about to go on a morning long run. So I only have it if I’m going to be crazy active and it burns most of it before I hit my head on that pillow!

Sleep isn’t wasted time—it’s the foundation of good health. By giving yourself the gift of rest, and it’s also your time to heal your body. By creating routines and habits to get you ready for bed, you’ll gain more energy, clearer focus, stronger immunity, and a brighter mood for the next day. So tonight, instead of pushing through one more task or scrolling just a little longer, honor your body’s need for sleep. You’ll thank yourself in the morning. I do every morning I do a good job at night!

Take the Next Step

Ready to prioritize your sleep or feel better with creating great new habits, for overall health and well-being? Schedule a free consult with me today, and let’s create a personalized plan to help you sleep better and feel your best.

Quilt featured in header image. Confetti Quilt

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