Get the sleep you need - even during a pandemic.

"In extraordinary times of uncertainty, anxiety, and stress, getting the sleep we need is more important than ever." - Arianna Huffington and Don Katz on the release of Audible sleep

As a mother of a 14-month-old and someone with two chronic sleep disorders, I have tried my fair share of tricks to get to sleep and stay there. While pregnant, my restless leg syndrome got so bad I would pace across the bedroom just so my legs would stop aching. Or I'd sleep on the couch so as not to wake up my husband with my flailing feet. One night, at around 2 a.m., after having tried unsuccessfully to go to bed for several hours, I Googled natural remedies to restless leg syndrome. Someone somewhere online suggested eating a half of a banana. And then, miraculously, I fell asleep.

As much as I'd like to credit the banana, it could have been the pacing or the bath or any of the other dozen things I tried before traipsing to the kitchen. The next night, I had half a banana before taking a bath and meditating. I fell asleep shortly after my head hit the pillow. Thus began my pregnancy sleep routine. It didn't matter whether there was any science behind it - it worked for me, and I got the rest I needed for me and my baby.

Having go-to resources that help put your mind at ease before you drift off to slumberland is key. Whether it's curling up with a book before bedtime, drinking some non-caffeinated tea or warm milk, or listening to calming music, nighttime rituals are even more important to establish during a time of uncertainty, when anxiety and fear can make our minds race even while we attempt to put our bodies to bed.

My current bedtime ritual consists of writing notes about the day in a journal for my daughter, which I started when she was three months old, and then listening to the Daily Calm meditation. I've been meditating on a daily basis for over two years, and when I decided to try it before bed, I noticed a difference almost immediately. My mind and body began to learn what to expect after the guided meditation.

There are many different mindfulness and meditation apps on the market - some of which offer sessions specifically devoted to helping you find the land of nod. Calm Sleep is one, and apparently Arianna Huffington, Founder and CEO of Thrive Global, and Don Katz, Founder and Executive Chairman of Audible just teamed up to launch new free sleep resources on Audible. I haven't tried the latter yet, but I'm glad there are even more options for people - especially ones that you don't have to buy to benefit from.

In the era of this pandemic, we all need to find easy ways to settle ourselves after a long day. This is not a time to skimp on self-care. If you have trouble falling asleep, consider adding some time for yourself to your calendar before bed and begin to get acquainted with what helps you slip off into a restful, satisfying slumber. Here's to a great night's sleep.

**As always, if you have chronic trouble sleeping or suffer from a sleep disorder, please seek professional help from a medical sleep expert.