Kathryn Greene joined the International Sleep Products Association team in July as the senior editor for BedTimes and Sleep Savvy magazines. She has been a writer for nearly a decade, previously working as an associate editor at Hospitality Design magazine. When she’s not writing, she’s most likely lounging on Topsail Island off the coast of North Carolina, making edits to her thriller novel or trying to hit her reading goal of 50 books this year. She’s currently halfway there — and taking recommendations.
BedTimes: Tell us about your bedtime routine.
Kathryn Greene: To wind down the energy of the day, I shut off my overhead lights and turn on some lamps. Sometimes I’ll light a candle. I’ll sit on the sofa in my room and read for an hour or two before heading to bed.
BT: What do you avoid before bed?
KG: TV. I don’t have much time for it anyway, but I don’t like to end my day with screens.
BT: How many hours of sleep do you typically get?
KG: Eight on weeknights and about nine to 10 on the weekends. Whenever I have a chance to sleep in on the weekends, I will. It’s such a luxury.
BT: Barefoot or socks?
KG: I always go to bed in socks and inevitably kick them off at some point during the night, so this is a good reminder that I should give up and go barefoot. Ha!
BT: Pets in the bed — yay or nay?
KG: I’ve tried, but Chloe (my 8-pound poodle mix) manages to stretch out and take up an illogical amount of room, so she snoozes in her cozy donut bed nearby.
BT: What’s on your nightstand?
KG: I have a stack of magazines (Architectural Digest, Vanity Fair and Vogue) and my favorite candle, Santal Vanille by Voluspa. There’s always my book of the moment, which right now is “The Only One Left” by Riley Sager. And a Muji diffuser with lemongrass essential oil.
BT: Are you a napper?
KG: I wish! Once I’m awake, I’m up for the day. Whenever I’ve attempted napping, I wake up feeling sleepier than before.
BT: What are your best sleep tips?
KG: White noise lulls me to sleep so I recommend trying that or nature-inspired sounds via a sound machine or on Spotify. Also, investing in a comfortable mattress is key — after all, you spend so much of your life on one. And make sure that your room is at a comfortable temperature; I prefer mine a bit chilly so I can wrap myself in my fluffy duvet. Weighted blankets are also fantastic and soothing.
BT: What are your secrets for getting a good night’s sleep while traveling?
KG: The first thing I do after checking in is unpack my suitcase, hang up my clothes and put everything in its rightful place on the desk and in the dresser. It seems obvious but I find settling in and treating your hotel room like a home for the duration of your stay brings a sense of calm. When it’s bedtime, I shut off every light and draw the curtains so that the room is pitch black. If your hotel happens to be a bit noisy, try a guided meditation on YouTube or Spotify.
BT: Is there anything else you’d like to add?
KG: Investing in great bedding, a quality mattress and comfortable pillows is priceless when it comes to your health and well-being. You’ll feel and appreciate what you paid for every night when you fall asleep.
