Sharing some of my favorite products for a healthy sleep stack. As always, talk with a doctor before making any changes to your health or wellness routine. This post is not medical advice.
Hi friends! How are you? I hope that you’re having a wonderful morning. I have a podcast interview today and am looking forward to taking a yoga class with Liv later.
For today’s post, let’s chat about one of my all-time favorite topics: sleep!!
(It’s one of Mazer’s favorite topics, as well)
If there’s one thing I’ve learned on my own wellness journey, and after helping hundreds of women rebalance their bodies, it’s this: you can’t out-supplement poor sleep. Also, what you do in the morning and during the day will impact your sleep quality!
We all know how terrible it feels to toss and turn all night… and how hard it is to feel like yourself the next day. Mood swings, cravings, sluggish workouts, hormone imbalances, and even gut issues can stem from poor quality sleep. When I don’t sleep, I feel like my whole world has come crashing to the ground. Take away my sleep, you take away everything. (I think this is one of the biggest reasons why postpartum was such a struggle for me.)
Over the years, I’ve tried many approaches to improve my sleep, from meditation to blackout curtains. While those all help, I’ve found that a few key tools consistently make the biggest difference. This is my current go-to healthy sleep stack that I use as part of my nighttime routine.
As always, please check with your doctor before starting any new supplements or products, especially if you’re on medications or managing a health condition. This is simply what works for me and many of my clients.
My Healthy Sleep Stack: What I Use for Deep, Restorative Rest
What’s in My Healthy Sleep Stack?
1. Adrenal Soothe from EquiLife
Chronic stress is one of the most common sleep disruptors, and most women over 35 are dealing with some degree of it, whether they realize it or not. Adrenal Soothe is a blend of targeted adaptogens including ashwagandha and phosphatidylserine that can help reduce nighttime cortisol levels. This can lead to deeper rest and more consistent energy during the day. I take 2 capsules after dinner or with my evening magnesium. This product is especially helpful for women who feel wired but tired at night and have trouble falling asleep despite feeling exhausted.
2. Magnesium (Glycinate or L-Threonate) + topical spray
Magnesium plays a role in over 300 biochemical reactions in the body, including muscle relaxation, nervous system function, and sleep regulation. Unfortunately, many people are deficient due to stress, soil depletion, and poor absorption. I prefer this full-spectrum magnesium because it is calming and well-absorbed. It helps calm both the body and mind, and I’ll also double up by using a topical magnesium (like this one).
3. Low-Dose Melatonin
Melatonin is a hormone naturally produced by the pineal gland in response to darkness. It signals to the body that it’s time to wind down. I occasionally use a low-dose melatonin supplement (0.5mg to 3mg) to support my circadian rhythm, especially during travel or after a night of poor sleep. The key is to use it as a short-term tool and not rely on it nightly unless directed by a healthcare provider. I avoid higher doses, which can lead to grogginess the next day. A little bit helps me get deep sleep when I need it, and I feel like a million bucks the next day.
4. Castor Oil Pack
Castor oil packs have been used for centuries to support detoxification and calm the nervous system. I use a reusable, no-mess pack over my abdomen in the evenings while I wind down. It can promote circulation, liver detoxification, and stimulate the vagus nerve, which activates the parasympathetic nervous system, our “rest and digest” mode. This simple practice can make a huge difference in helping the body shift into sleep mode. This is my favorite castor oil pack– use FITNESSISTA for a discount. I love the NOW Foods brand castor oil the most (FITNESSISTA for 20% off); you can also pair this with an inexpensive castor oil pack from Amazon.
(I just put a dark baggy t-shirt on top)
How to Incorporate These into a Routine
You don’t need to use everything every night and it’s important to adjust it based on your needs and life.
Here’s what I do:
After Dinner
2 capsules of Adrenal Soothe
Optional: magnesium drink mix for extra relaxation, like Organifi Gold
Wind Down (30–60 minutes before bed)
Apply castor oil pack while reading or journaling
Use low-dose melatonin only when needed
Put on my blue light blocking glasses and use magnesium spray
Bedtime
Remove the castor oil pack
Turn down the lights and avoid screens.
Still Struggling with Sleep? Look Deeper.
If you’re doing all the right things and still not sleeping well, it may be time to look at the root cause. Hormone imbalances, high nighttime cortisol, nutrient deficiencies, and heavy metals can all impact sleep. Functional lab tests like the Stress, Mood & Metabolism test, Minerals & Metals test, and the HTMA (Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis) can give you a clear picture of what’s going on and where to begin.
Understanding your body’s unique imbalances is the first step to sustainable sleep, and it’s often the missing link when nothing else seems to work.
If you’re curious about testing or want to explore a personalized plan, email me gina@fitnessista.com subject TESTING. I would love to help you uncover what’s holding your sleep back and create a path forward that works with your real life. It can be so helpful to have someone assess your daily routine and help you make simple fixes to transform your sleep!
So, be honest, friends: how’s your sleep? Do you toss and turn or are you able to get a solid night’s rest?
I’ve been enjoying at least nine solid hours every night this summer, and living it up until we’re back into the school craziness.
xo
Gina
ps. Download my free healthy sleep checklist here!
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