At Sussan, self-care starts with sleep, which is why we are engaging women in our community to share stories about their own relationship with sleep —from the rituals that help them unwind at night to the routines that boost their mornings.
Nikki Parkinson the founder of Styling You is on a mission to empower busy women to conquer their day with confidence, but this content creator and bedtime enthusiast is equally dedicated to finding solace in the comfort of home. We sat down with Nikki to discuss all things style, self-care, and the importance of a good night’s sleep.
THE WIND-DOWN
How are you sleeping? What is your relationship like with sleep?
I love my sleep and can’t get enough of it. My biggest sleep challenge over the past decade has been dealing with hormonal changes that come with peri-menopause and menopause. Thankfully, I’m over the other side, post-menopause, and, with the guidance of my GP, have the right balance of hormones to ensure a good night’s sleep.
Do you have a routine that helps you unwind? What is a nighttime ritual that allows you to switch off?
The wind-down ritual is so important to me. It starts by getting into (comfortable) sleepwear as soon as dinner is done and dusted. I’ll watch TV or look at my phone — I’m only human! About 45 minutes out from bedtime, I’ll cleanse my face, brush my teeth and head to bed to read. Even if I only get five minutes of reading in, it’s enough to switch off my brain for sleep.
What are you currently reading, watching, or listening to before bed?
I’m reading Kylie Ladd’s new novel, I’ll Leave You With This. I’m a part of an online book club, and it’s this month’s pick.
Do you use any tricks to help you nod off?
I need a cool room (hello, menopause), so up until recently, this meant cranking the aircon to fridge-like conditions. I don’t generally have trouble falling asleep as long as
I’ve quieted my mind with reading.
What was your favourite bedtime story as a child?
Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak (not a very calming and comforting book in hindsight!)
What’s a bad sleep habit you would like to change?
My worst sleep habit — or one that disrupts my ritual — is getting stuck in the groove of a TV show and clicking “next episode” instead of heading to bed at my usual time.
THE WAKE-UP
Do you hit snooze or bounce out of bed?
Neither. When the alarm goes off during the week, I’m up on autopilot, knowing that if I paused to think about it, I’d stay in bed.
If you could wake up to one song every morning, what would it be?
My alarm is actually bird sounds, and that’s a pretty slow and soothing way to wake up.
What’s on your bedside table?
My Kindle, a candle, lip balm, moisturiser, crystals and a phone/watch charger.
What is your favourite breakfast to boost your morning?
Coffee, of course, but then a protein smoothie with banana, chocolate protein powder, collagen, nut butter and cinnamon.
What’s your 5-9 routine?
I move my body in some way every weekday morning (weekends are ideally a bit slower). It may be a walk with a girlfriend or an at-home yoga or pilates class.
When buying sleepwear, what colours do you find most calming and comforting?
I prefer calming, muted colours and prints that help slow down the mind ahead of sleeping — or even for relaxing at home.
Jessica Phillips
We chatted with our Sussan Marketing specialist about what helps her wind down for restful ZZZs and wake up on the bright side. From books and candles to calming yoga and bold sleepwear, Jess shares her bedtime upgrades to support self-care.
THE WIND-DOWN
How are you sleeping? What is your relationship like with sleep?
Generally good! It can be tricky to wind down during busy periods of life and work, and I have had periods of poor sleep on and off.
Do you have a routine that helps you unwind? What is a nighttime ritual that allows you to switch off?
Sticking to my Yoga routine helps with my sleep & mental health as much as my physical health. Yoga is usually straight after work, and then I come home to cook myself dinner and wind down.
I’m also trying to pick up my book each night and read before bed to help my mind slow down. A candle and cup of tea and a cosy dressing gown are non-negotiables.
What are you currently reading, watching or listening to before bed?
I have a few books on my bedside at the moment! Really, Good Actually is my current read, and Very Nice Girl is next on the list.
Do you use any tricks to help you nod off?
Not really. Some nights are harder than others!
What was your favourite bedtime story as a child?
From a young age, the Harry Potter series was a winner.
What’s a bad sleep habit you would like to change?
Phone in the bedroom and social media before bed (whoops).
THE WAKE-UP
Do you hit snooze or bounce out of bed?
It can be either, depending on the day, but most likely hitting snooze.
If you could wake up to one song every morning, what would it be?
Not sure about waking up, but I love blasting my favourite pop tunes in the car on my way to work — always gets me in a good mood.
What’s on your bedside table?
My favourite plant, a candle, books and chocolate.
What is your favourite breakfast to boost your morning?
Lately, hot cross buns!
What’s your 5-9 routine?
I always start with a cup of tea to help me prepare for the day. I head off to work with the Dream Team at Sussan, beginning with a coffee and morning catch-up!
What do you look for when buying new sleepwear?
I love a playful print for bedtime; have some fun with it.
