πŸŒ™ Sleep Relaxation

Wind Down Before Bed: Guided Relaxation

Give yourself a guided mini relaxation experience to settle your body and mind before sleep.

πŸŽ₯ Watch Guided Video Exercise β†’

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Please note: This tool provides a guided relaxation exercise for bedtime; it is not a medical treatment for insomnia. Nothing is stored or transmitted.

How to wind down before bed with this tool

  1. Get into bed or a comfortable chair and dim the lights.
  2. Breathe slowly β€” in for 4, out for 6 β€” following the guide.
  3. Soften your body from your face down to your feet.
  4. Release thoughts: notice what is on your mind and set it aside for tomorrow.
  5. Stay with the calm and let sleep come when it’s ready.

Why it may help

Slow breathing and letting go of muscle tension both help shift the body towards rest. Bedtime is also when unfinished thoughts tend to surface, so a short prompt to notice and park them can stop your mind from running on. Using the same wind-down most nights builds a cue that it’s time to sleep.

Safety: when to stop or get help

If you regularly struggle to sleep for three months or more, speak to your doctor about CBT for insomnia. If worry keeps you awake, try a brain dump first.

Frequently asked questions

How long before bed should I wind down?

Starting 20 to 30 minutes before you want to sleep works well for most people.

Can I use this if I wake in the night?

Yes. Keep the screen dim and the volume low.

Is this a treatment for insomnia?

No. It is a relaxation exercise. Long-term insomnia is best treated with CBT-I.

Is anything stored?

No. Nothing is stored or sent from this tool.

Related tools and support

Written by Sudarshana, founder of InnerCalmGuide Β· Reviewed October 18, 2026 Β· Editorial policy. Self-help information, not medical advice.

Sources

Not medical advice β€” InnerCalmGuide is not a medical or emergency service. In crisis? US: call or text 988 Β· UK & ROI: Samaritans 116 123 Β· Elsewhere: findahelpline.com or your local emergency number. Editorial policy