My Go-To Tools for Winding Down at Night Naturally

Because we deserve to feel peace, not pressure, at the end of the day.

There was a time when my nights looked a lot like this:
Iโ€™d finally collapse into bed, physically drained, but somehow, my brain would go into overdrive. Iโ€™d be running through my to-do list, rethinking things I said (or didnโ€™t say), and mentally prepping for tomorrow before today had even ended.

Even though I was exhausted, true rest felt impossible.

Sound familiar?

Whether you’re a mom, a multitasker, or just someone trying to keep up with life, you know that the way we end our day matters. And over time, I realized that I couldnโ€™t keep hoping for rest. I had to create it.

Thatโ€™s when I started building a nighttime routine with natural tools that truly support my body and mind. These aren’t complicated or expensive. Theyโ€™re small, intentional habits that help signal to my nervous system: โ€œYouโ€™re safe. You can slow down now.โ€

So if youโ€™re looking to feel more peace and less panic in the evenings, here are my tried-and-true tools:


๐ŸŒฟ 1. Hemp (not pot) to Calm the Chaos

This one is non-negotiable for me now. A clean, full-spectrum CBD, THC, or CBG jelly in the evening has been a game-changer for my nervous system. It helps reduce that mental spiral so I can actually feel present and peaceful, whether Iโ€™m having quiet time alone or unwinding with my partner.

There are so many options out there, but not all CBD is created equal. I only use Green Compass because I trust their sourcing, their transparency, and the way their products actually work.


๐Ÿง˜๐Ÿผโ€โ™€๏ธ 2. Gentle Movement or Breathwork

If Iโ€™ve had a high-stress day (and letโ€™s be real, most days qualify), I take five minutes to stretch on the floor or do some box breathing. Sometimes I just lie with my legs up the wall and breathe deeply. Itโ€™s simple, but it signals to my body: “You’re not in fight or flight anymore.”

You don’t have to be a yogi to do this. Just dim the lights, roll out a mat or towel, and move in a way that feels good.


๐Ÿ“ฑ 3. No Screens After 9 PM

This oneโ€™s tough, especially when the kids are finally asleep and you just want to scroll. But Iโ€™ve noticed a huge difference in my ability to fall asleep when I cut off blue light exposure and social media noise at least an hour before bed.

Instead, I try to do something that helps my brain unplug rather than rev up again.


๐Ÿต 4. Magnesium-Rich Tea or Mocktail

I love making a cozy magnesium mocktail or sipping herbal tea with ingredients like chamomile, passionflower, or lemon balm. Not only is it soothing, but magnesium helps relax your muscles and regulate the stress hormone cortisol.

Itโ€™s like a warm, gentle โ€œexhaleโ€ in a cup.


๐Ÿ“– 5. A Few Pages of a Book

Reading (something light or inspiring!) helps me shift out of the busy world in my brain and into a slower rhythm. Just a few pages can create the perfect transition between wakefulness and rest. Bonus: It makes my dreams way more interesting than if I had just scrolled reels before bed ๐Ÿ˜†


Iโ€™m not saying every night is perfect. Some nights still involve toddler wakeups, late-night dishes, or staying up too late talking with my husband. But having this toolbox has absolutely changed the way I experience my evenings.

I donโ€™t just collapse into bed anymore… I wind down intentionally.
And I fall asleep with more peace, fewer spirals, and a body that knows itโ€™s safe to rest.

If youโ€™re stuck in the cycle of going to bed exhausted but wired, try adding just one of these tools into your routine tonight. Then build from there.

You deserve a nighttime routine that supports you.

Tell me – what helps you wind down naturally? Iโ€™d love to add your ideas to my list!


Want to try the CBD thatโ€™s helped me the most? Iโ€™m always happy to share whatโ€™s worked for me and help you find what fits your needs. Just send me a message or check out this link for info + a free consult -> free consult here.

Solving Sleep Struggles

You guys… sleep is super important ๐Ÿ’คโœจ

I listen to a podcast all about health & wellness when I’m running & just about every guest at some point speaks to the importance of getting enough, QUALITY, sleep. It is crucial for your health for a few reasons…

1. Stay Healthy ๐Ÿƒโ€โ™‚๏ธ๐Ÿ’ช

Sleep helps your body repair & stay strong. It can keep your heart healthy and boost your immune system. Basically, more sleep means fewer sick days!

2. Boost Your Brainpower ๐Ÿง โšก

Your brain needs sleep to think clearly, remember stuff, & solve problems. Less sleep = more forgetful moments and brain fog.

3. Mood Magic ๐ŸŒˆ๐Ÿ˜Š

Ever notice how cranky you get when you’re tired? Sleep helps you stay happy & handle stress better. More sleep, more smiles!

4. Be a Star Performer ๐ŸŒŸ๐ŸŽฏ

Whether youโ€™re studying, working, or playing sports, sleep helps you do your best. You’ll be more focused & make fewer mistakes.

5. Weight Control ๐ŸŽ๐Ÿ‹๏ธ

Sleep affects your hunger hormones. Lack of sleep can make you crave junk food. Sleeping well helps you make healthier food choices.

6. Live Longer ๐Ÿ•ฐ๏ธโค๏ธ

Good sleep habits can add years to your life. It keeps you healthy & full of energy for the long haul.

I have some tips for better sleep for anyone who wants them! Just comment SLEEP & I’ll send them right over.

No gatekeeping here though… the absolute #1 thing that has completely changed my sleep is the half a jelly I take at night when I get in bed. I went from taking 30-60+ minutes to fall asleep & waking several times in the night to falling asleep quickly (without using Gilmore Girls or a sleep meditation) & I stay asleep ALL NIGHT! I wake up feeling refreshed & I actually have energy during the day. I can’t remember the last time I felt like that ๐Ÿ™Œ

If you want to grab these jellies, I’ll link them here -> if you take half like I do, this is a 2 month supply, & you’re getting my 20% discount + $10 off ๐Ÿ˜โžก๏ธhttps://jessicaderico.greencompassglobal.com/cart/102084

Remember, good sleep = a happier, healthier you! ๐Ÿ˜ด๐ŸŒ™

If you found this helpful, join us over in my Facebook Community, it’s where I spend the most time and share the most tips! https://www.facebook.com/share/o1bcxvoG6C4iQ4ZS/

Slay your Sleep Struggles

Safe Swaps for Melatonin

I have always struggled with sleep. So, I’ve tried A LOT of safe sleep aid products.

I have a really hard time turning my brain off at night so it takes me a LONG time to fall asleep. I’m also a light sleeper, so little things wake me, and then I have trouble falling back asleep. I’ve been learning about the importance of sleep lately and the effects sleep deprivation have on your daily life and it’s pretty scary. The more “sleep debt” you have, the less executive function you have during the day. This means it’s harder to make decisions, think, and function as a human… Lack of sleep can even increase your risk of dying earlier than those who get enough sleep. Sleep is truly not something to be taken lightly. But, neither are the long term side effects of Melatonin. Despite my very serious sleep struggles, I would not touch melatonin. So, what are some safe alternatives? I’m glad you asked!

What I’ve used for the kids and/or myself:

Lavender Essential Oil – rolled on bottom of feet and/or back of neck

Earthley’s Sleepy Time Tincture – dropped in mouth

Earthley’s Goodnight Lotion – rubbed on tummy and legs

Organic Tart Cherry Juice – consumed during the day

Epsom Salt baths before bed – in bath

Green Compass Sleep Boost – taken orally

Green Compass Sleep Jellies – consumed before bed (would recommend for age 2+ starting with 1/4 jelly)

Green Compass Full Spectrum Nano Jellies – consumed before bed (would recommend for age 5+ starting with 1/4 jelly)

My thoughts/experiences:

Lavender oil used on Willow – Noticed no improvement

Earthley’s Sleepy Time Tincture – Noticed no improvement for Willow. Helps me fall and stay asleep a little bit. Helps Adeline fall and stay asleep as far as I can tell.

Eathley’s Goodnight Lotion – Noticed no improvement for Willow. Adeline loves it. Does nothing for me.

Organic Tart Cherry Juice – Noticed no improvement for Willow.

Epsom Salt baths before bed – Noticed no improvement for sleeping but does help calm both kids and make bedtime routine easier.

Green Compass Sleep Boost – Helps me fall and stay asleep more than the Earthly tincture but not as well as the jellies.

Green Compass Sleep Jellies – These work amazingly. They are my favorite thing I’ve used for myself. These help me sleep the best of anything I’ve tried. I fall asleep faster and stay asleep ALL NIGHT!

Green Compass Full Spectrum Nano Jellies – These also work amazingly. They knock me out really fast and put me into a DEEP sleep. If you want a really good, restorative deep sleep, these are for you.

Links (it means the world to my family when you use my links to shop!):

Earthley – https://earthley.com/ref/dericoj/

Cherry Juice –https://amzn.to/3SUFwKI

Green Compass – https://jessicaderico.greencompassglobal.com/share/573327

*the Green Compass link gets you $10 off your first order*

Safe Swaps for Melatonin

I’ve seen so many desperate mommas lately looking for help with either their sleep or their kids’ sleep. Anyone who knows me personally knows my 16 month old Willow has struggled with sleep since she was born. I also have never been a good sleeper with my biggest issue being falling asleep. Because of this, I’ve tried A LOT of safe sleep aid products for myself and Willow.

What I’ve used for the girls and/or myself:

Lavender Essential Oil – rolled on bottom of feet

Earthley’s Sleepy Time Tincture – dropped in mouth

Earthley’s Goodnight Lotion – rubbed on tummy and legs

Organic Tart Cherry Juice – consumed during the day

Epsom Salt baths before bed – in bath

Green Compass Sleep Boost – in belly button

Green Compass Sleep Jellies – consumed before bed (would recommend for age 3+ starting with 1/4 jelly)

My thoughts/experiences:

Lavender oil used on Willow & myself – Noticed no improvement

Earthley’s Sleepy Time Tincture – Noticed no improvement for Willow. Helps me fall and stay asleep but not the best thing I’ve tried. Helps Adeline fall and stay asleep.

Eathley’s Goodnight Lotion – Noticed no improvement for Willow. Adeline loves it for her growing pains.

Organic Tart Cherry Juice – Noticed no improvement for Willow.

Epsom Salt baths before bed – Noticed no improvement for sleeping but does help calm both kids and make bedtime routine a little easier.

Green Compass Sleep Boost – The FIRST thing that has genuinely improved Willow’s sleep. Since starting it she went from waking 4-5 times a night to 1-2 and sleeping 2-3 hour stretches to over 6! All the hallelujah hands for this one ๐Ÿ™Œ๐Ÿ™Œ๐Ÿ™Œ๐Ÿ™Œ

Green Compass Sleep Jellies – Only tried myself so far and they work amazingly. These help me fall and stay asleep the best of anything I’ve tried.

Links (it means the world to my family when you use my links to shop!):

$10 off Green Compass – https://jessicaderico.greencompassglobal.com/share/573327

Cherry Juice – https://amzn.to/3SUFwKI

Epsom Salt – https://amzn.to/49I5tCW

Earthley – https://earthley.com/ref/dericoj/

Let me know if you try any of these and how they work for you! And for more content like this, make sure you’re in my wellness community -> https://www.facebook.com/groups/raisingclean/

Stay well!