When she’s not working as the director of sustainability for Sleep Country Canada, Emma Reid says she might be cooking in her kitchen, exercising at the gym, working on improving her skills on the tennis court, or—her favorite—taking care of her family: husband, Steve, and sons, Oscar and Sam.
Her favorite thing about working in the sleep/bedding industry? Leading her company’s environmental and social impact practices, while also helping people have access to great sleep. Here’s how Reid enjoys great sleep, too.
BedTimes: What’s one thing you absolutely need for a good night’s sleep?
Emma Reid: The room to be cold. I get the best sleep if
I have a cold room and a warm duvet.
BT: What’s your ideal bedtime (even if you don’t always hit it)? Has this always been the same?
ER: If I could be in bed at 10 p.m., that would be great, as I’m often up early. I’ve never been a late owl. I really need my seven hours of sleep.
BT: Pets in the bed—yea or nay?
ER: I have a gorgeous 1-year-old chocolate Lab called Milly. Although she’s allowed in my kids’ beds when they fall asleep for a snuggle,
she needs to go back to her crate overnight, as she’s still quite young and might get up to mischief!
BT: Barefoot or socks at bedtime?
ER: Always barefoot.
BT: What’s on your nightstand right now?
ER: Phone charger, water, book (right now, it’s One of Us by Elizabeth Day), and Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream, which is the best for chapped lips.
BT: What’s the best sleep product you own—and why?
ER: My pillow. It’s a Simba Hybrid pillow, and I’ve even been known to travel with it. A good pillow can transform your night’s sleep. I’m also partial to a silk pillowcase.
BT: What’s one thing you always pack to help you sleep away from home?
ER: See above. I don’t always pack it, but when I do, it always helps. Also, sometimes a silk sleep mask.
BT: Where’s the strangest or best place you’ve ever fallen asleep?
ER: I’m very lucky; I’m able to fall asleep anywhere, and cars always send me to sleep (as a passenger!). But my favorite is on a beach in the shade and hearing the ocean—that’s the best place to have a nap!
BT: Do you break any traditional sleep “rules”?
ER: No—I really need my sleep! But I do like to keep my curtains open a bit to let in the early-morning light. I find it really helps getting up in the morning.
BT: Sleep mask or sound machine?
ER: Sound machines send me to sleep in seconds!
BT: Physical book or Kindle?
ER: Physical book.
BT: Before bed: read a book, watch a show, or listen to a podcast?
ER: Read a book.
BT: What do you do if you can’t fall asleep?
ER: I have a few children’s bedtime stories on my phone. When I can’t fall asleep, I actually put one of them on. The best one at sending me off to sleep is called The Little Elephant Who Wants to Fall Asleep—it is so relaxing to listen to.
