While I won’t claim an award for organization or minimalism with my nightstand… it is a carefully curated hub of tools and essentials. They support my health, improve my sleep, and set the tone for a productive day ahead. I also mentioned in my habit-stacking podcast and post that the nightstand is also a great place to put visual reminders of healthy habits since it’s the first thing I see in the morning.
Let me walk you through everything on my nightstand and explain why it’s there.
1. Quart-Sized Mason Jar With Salt
First things first: hydration. On my nightstand, you’ll find a quart-sized mason jar filled with water and a teaspoon of high-quality mineral salt dissolved in it. Why? Because rehydrating first thing in the morning is non-negotiable for me. Overnight, we lose water through respiration and sweat, leaving our bodies dehydrated. Adding a pinch of salt to water provides essential electrolytes, helping to:
- Replenish hydration levels
- Support adrenal function
- Balance blood pressure
- Kickstart digestion
Sometimes, I mix it up by dissolving the salt directly in my mouth before drinking plain water. Either way, this small morning ritual has a big impact on my energy levels and overall well-being. Lately, I’ve been using these microplastic-free salts. Check out these posts and this podcast for more about why I love salt!
2. Morning and Evening Supplements
A good night’s sleep is only half the battle; what you do in the morning matters just as much. I keep my go-to supplements on my nightstand to ensure I never miss them. Here’s what I’m taking and why:
- Magnesium Breakthrough: I take magnesium in the morning because I’m an inverse modulator, but many people find it’s more effective at night. Magnesium is essential for hundreds of processes in the body. It supports muscle function, reduces stress, and promotes energy production. It’s also fantastic for balancing hormones and improving sleep quality.
- PectaSol: This modified citrus pectin is my go-to for gentle detoxification. It binds to heavy metals and toxins in the body, helping to eliminate them safely. I’ve found this helpful in my autoimmune recovery journey and take it regularly now to keep inflammation in check.
- MassZymes: A digestive enzyme supplement that aids in breaking down proteins and improving gut health. It’s especially helpful if you’ve indulged in a heavy meal the night before. I take this in the morning and evening on an empty stomach, but also sometimes take it with meals to improve digestion. It works differently when taken with or without food, so I mix it up and often do both.
- Just Thrive Probiotics: A healthy gut is the foundation of wellness, and probiotics help maintain that balance by supporting digestion and immunity. I also take this with or without food at different times.
- Neural RX from Wizard Sciences: This one is a game-changer for brain health. It supports cognitive function, mental clarity, and focus. I typically take this in the morning for an energy boost. Sometimes I take it at night and typically have vivid dreams when I do.
It looks a little cluttered, but having these on my nightstand helps me remember to take them and I’m a lot more consistent this way. I like glass jars like these that help them look better. You’ll find the same jars on my kitchen table with other supplements that the kids and I take during the day.
3. Essential Oils for Better Sleep
Sleep is sacred in my house, and Vibrant Blue Essential Oils are my secret weapon. I’ve curated a collection of blends specifically for relaxation and sleep from my friend Jody at Vibrant Blue:
- Parasympathetic: Calms the nervous system and promotes deep relaxation.
- Fascia Release: I’ve been focusing on lymph and fascia lately and love this one for gentle movement and mobility before sleep.
- Lymph: A powerful mix of oils designed to support the lymphatic system. I love this in combination with having my feet up on the wall and lying on an acupressure mat at night.
I apply these oils to my wrists, neck, and the bottoms of my feet before bed, and the difference in my sleep quality is remarkable.
4. Detox Support: CytoDetox and Carbon Cleanse
I also keep CytoDetox and True Carbon Cleanse here. I’ll often take Cytodetox in the morning and evening and True Carbon Cleanse at night, along with Pectasol and Masszymes. These are designed to.
- Support cellular detoxification
- Bind to environmental toxins
- Promote overall energy levels and battle inflammation
Taking these regularly helps me feel energized and clear-headed.
5. Be Serene for Stress Relief
Modern life can be overwhelming, so I’ve made it a priority to manage stress effectively. Be Serene is a blend of adaptogenic herbs and natural compounds that helps:
- Reduce stress
- Promote relaxation
- Balance mood
It’s my go-to when I need to unwind at the end of a long day.
6. Blue Light Blocking Orange Glasses
Let’s talk about light hygiene. My orange-tinted blue light blocking glasses are essential for reducing exposure to artificial blue light in the evenings. Blue light can suppress melatonin production, making it harder to fall asleep. By wearing these glasses, I:
- Protect my circadian rhythm
- Improve my sleep quality
- Reduce eye strain
I also try to switch to lower and red/amber lighting in our whole house at night and avoid screens and bright lights as much as possible after dark.
7. Books I’m Currently Reading and My Journal
Reading is part of my wind-down routine, and I always have a few books on my nightstand. Right now, I’m diving into titles on personal growth, health, and wellness. My Kindle also lives here for digital books.
Currently I’m reading or re-reading: Awareness by Anthony de Mello, Man’s Search for Meaning, The Reclaimed Woman by Kelly Brogan, Braiding Sweetgrass on the recommendation from a friend, The Four Agreements, and Power vs. Force by David Hawkins.
Alongside my books is my journal and my planner, where I:
- Reflect on the day
- Jot down gratitude lists
- Plan for tomorrow
This simple practice keeps me grounded and focused.
8. Daylight Computer
Speaking of avoiding blue light at night… this has been a game changer.
Yes, I have a dedicated computer for nighttime use, though this is quickly becoming my daily use computer as well. This Daylight computer is designed with low EMF emissions and zero blue light, making it ideal for reading or writing in the evening without disrupting my sleep cycle. It’s a lifesaver for late-night inspiration sessions. It can integrate most apps and I use it for listening to audiobooks and podcasts, working on writing in Google Docs, taking notes, digital journaling, listening to music, and more!
9. Mouth Tape
Mouth tape might sound odd, but it’s a game-changer for breathing. By gently taping my mouth shut at night, I ensure I breathe through my nose, which:
- Improves oxygen intake
- Reduces snoring
- Enhances sleep quality
It’s a small tweak with big benefits.
10. Sound Machine and Blackout Shades
Creating the perfect sleep environment is non-negotiable. My sound machine produces calming white noise to drown out distractions, while my 100% blackout shades ensure complete darkness. These have been a game changer and can make my room completely dark even in the afternoon. I keep the remote for the shades on my nightstand for easy access.
11. Charger for My Oura Ring
My Oura Ring is my favorite wearable for tracking sleep, activity, and recovery. Its charger has a permanent spot on my nightstand so it’s always ready to go.
12. Face Roller and Gua Sha Tools
Skin care is self-care, and these tools help me de-puff and relax before bed. The gentle massage improves circulation and lymphatic drainage, leaving my skin glowing. I use the rollers from here and these gua sha tools and face cupping tools.
13. Silk Bonnet and Sleep Scrunchie
Protecting my hair while I sleep is a priority. My silk bonnet and scrunchie prevent breakage and keep my hair smooth and tangle-free.
14. Lamp with a Red Light Bulb
Finally, my nightstand features a lamp with a red light bulb. Red light doesn’t interfere with melatonin production, making it the perfect choice for bedtime reading or relaxing.
The Takeaway
My nightstand isn’t just a collection of random items; it’s a wellness powerhouse. Each item serves a purpose, supporting my health, improving my sleep, and helping me wake up refreshed and ready to tackle the day. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your sleep environment, enhance your morning routine, or simply find new ways to prioritize wellness, I hope this peek into my nightstand inspires you to create your own health-focused haven. Sweet dreams!
What do you keep on your nightstand? Leave a comment and let us know!
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