Anna Hermosillo is the founder and lead strategist of WhyAnna, a marketing business that combines creativity with a data-centric approach. Previously, she was the full-time marketing director of South Bay International and Bedhead Marketing. In her free time, you’ll usually find her on the softball field coaching and managing her daughter’s team.
BedTimes: Tell us about your bedtime routine.
Anna Hermosillo: I take a hot shower before bed. It’s my signal to my body that the day is done. It relaxes my muscles, balances my body temperature and lets me start the unwinding process, both physically and mentally.
BT: How many hours do you typically sleep?
AH: I need a solid eight or nine hours. I’ve found that I can hit the ground running in the morning, no snooze button required.
BT: Barefoot or socks?
AH: Barefoot, always. I’m a California girl at heart. I grew up near the beach. If I could live in flip-flops year-round, I would. Sleeping barefoot just feels natural.
BT: What’s on your nightstand?
AH: An Alexa for alarms and ambient noise, a sleek magnetic charger for all the devices, a decorative jewelry holder and a colorful book I absolutely intend to finish someday. Truthfully, the book’s been promoted to decor status — the cover matches the vibe perfectly.
BT: What is the best sleep product that you own?
AH: Bed Bands. It’s simple but I can’t stand loose sheets. Smooth, tight-fitting bedding makes a world of difference.
BT: What are your best sleep tips?
AH: Your bedroom should feel like a sleep sanctuary. Spend the money! Invest in making it beautiful, comfortable and a place you love.
Use pillows to align your hips and shoulders — your spine will thank you in the morning.
Dr. Kimberly Lemke’s “Sleep Balloon” analogy. Fill your balloon throughout the day with healthy habits so you’re fully inflated by bedtime. I literally picture a red balloon.
BT: Where was the last place you got a great night’s sleep that wasn’t your house?
AH: Winter Las Vegas Market, day six — very specific, I know, but completely relatable. Anyone who’s been knows market demands every ounce of energy you’ve got. That morning, I left the curtains open and let the sunrise wake me up. As a traveling mom, having one day where I was only responsible for myself felt like pure luxury. I turned off my “mom ears,” unplugged and had an excellent, interrupted sleep.
BT: What are your secrets for getting a good night’s sleep when traveling?
AH: Bring your own pillow. Always. Hotel pillows are a gamble I’m not willing to take. I also pack my silk pillowcase. It’s compact, luxurious and gives hotel sleep an upgrade.
BT: What do you do that breaks the traditional sleep rules?
AH: I knowingly break one of the cardinal sleep rules: too much caffeine. I love my Nespresso, and yes, I fully understand the consequences. It’s a vicious cycle, but the upside? I’m wildly productive.
BT: What do you do if you have insomnia?
AH: I reset. I take another hot shower, revisit my bedtime routine, then reach for a physical book. I can’t get through a page without it knocking me out — works like a charm.
Read more BedTimes Nightcap Q&A with industry members: Nightcap Q&A With Dan Swiniarsk.
