Alexa Williams — along with her sister, Madison Jordan, and her dad, Billy Williams — is co-founder of Williams Co. Mattress, known for its handcrafted, sustainable bedding products. Based in Boulder, Colorado, Williams spends her free time outside with family and friends, cooking and hosting dinner parties. Williams is also an aunt and loves spending time with her niece and nephews.
BedTimes: Tell us about your bedtime routine. What do you do before bed?
Alexa Williams: I typically sit outside and try to mindfully transition out of work mode. If it’s a quiet night in, I love a hot Epsom salt bath. However, it has been a dinner party kind of summer, lots of outdoors, cooking and cocktails. As long as I wash my face before bed and keep that routine, all good!
BT: How many hours do you typically sleep?
AW: I need eight hours minimum to feel really good. Somewhere around 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. seems to be ideal.
BT: Pets in the bed – yay or nay?
AW: My French bulldog pup Etta is 3 and she does sleep with me. She’s like a weighted blanket that requires midnight snacks. My REM cycles have paid the price, but it’s her bed now, and I just sleep in it.
BT: Barefoot or socks?
AW: Barefoot with moisturizer. That’s the best feeling with good sheets.
BT: What’s on your nightstand?
AW: I keep it pretty simple. I have a small painting showing someone opening an unknown door with light coming through. I like seeing that when waking up — a reminder of the right doors closing and opening for us all. Also: moisturizer, my Bible, a book, and a candle or essential oil diffuser, depending on the season.
BT: What is the best sleep product that you own and why?
AW: My favorite sleep product is our side sleeper pillow, a crescent-shaped pillow with adjustable loft. It’s the very best for sleeping on my side without having to adjust in the night, and the shape is perfect. I love it.
BT: What are your best sleep tips?
AW: I am all for investing in sheets that feel really luxurious.
BT: Where is the last place you got a great night’s sleep that wasn’t your house and what made it great?
AW: A very sweet cottage in Oxford, England, last month. I’m sure the great sleep had a lot to do with the gin and tonics and jet lag, but the mattress and the room were lovely.
BT: What are your secrets for getting a good night’s sleep while traveling?
AW: Definitely a hot bath or shower before bed. Also, taking it easy on the air conditioning thermostat in hotels. It’s tempting to crank up the air, which can lead to waking up freezing in the middle of the night. Balance is key with hotel air conditioning.
BT: What do you do that breaks the traditional sleep rules?
AW: Maybe drinking coffee in bed?
BT: OK, now for a game of “Would You Rather?” Sleep mask or sound machine?
AW: I don’t use either, but white noise can be nice.
BT: Physical book or Kindle?
AW: Physical book
BT: Before bed — read a book, watch a show or listen to a podcast?
AW: For relaxing, I’m going with a show. You really can’t go wrong with Jeremy Wade’s “River Monsters” or Netflix’s “The Great British Bake Off” for some effective unwinding.
Read more Nightcap Q&As at bedtimesmagazine.com/.
