Lights Out With Jessi Cruickshank

 Sleep, wake, repeat. Read all about how our friends optimize their surroundings, unwind, and relax the mind for a good night—every night.

 We sat down with Jessi Cruickshank, the creator of New Mom, Who ‘Dis?, her hilarious imperfect guide to motherhood, to talk about her nightly bedtime rituals.

 

Double, Queen, or King? 

 

This was an issue of hot debate with my husband. He wanted to get a King and I was offended. I thought that meant he wanted to sleep AS FAR AWAY FROM ME AS HUMANLY POSSIBLE. We got one anyways and now we both sleep as far away from each other as humanly possible and to be honest, it's HEAVENLY. 

 

Why is a good night’s sleep important to you? 

 

I have a baby so I haven’t had a good night’s sleep in 8 months and 6 days (not that I’m counting)  and I can tell you, I am a MESS without sleep. For me, so much of my work requires me to be funny and creative so I need to be well rested, simply so that my brain works.  I’m going on tour this MAY and I’m writing my set right now- the better rested I am the funnier I’ll be so I better get some SLEEP!

 

How many hours of sleep do you get a night—or at least dream of getting? 

 

I DREAM of getting 8 solid hours. And if you want to talk about FANTASIES… I fantasize about sleeping in past 8am. IMAGINE!?

 

Are you a dreamer? 

 

Yes- I’m a classic anxiety dreamer. I dream that I’m shooting my show and I forget my lines, or that I walk out on stage with nothing prepared. As a performer, those are my recurring nightmares. Those are the dreams that give me night sweats. 

What’s currently on your bedside table? 

 

A candle from MIFA (a vancouver company I love) a lamp I adore from Amber Interiors, a book I have been meaning to read for the last 4 months (haven’t opened it yet but my intentions are good?) and a breast pump. GLAMOROUS.

Do you partake in any nightly routine before settling into bed? 

 

I could lie and tell you I do a face mask and I read and I light a candle to decompress… the reality is I wash my face, pop in my mouthguard, strap on my breast pump and read my news feed on my phone. It’s REAL sexy. 

 

Tell us about where the magic happens—and by magic, we mean sleep. How do you optimize your sleep environment? 

 

Other than the kids books and toys that are usually on our bed or floor… We actually have a shockingly clutter free bedroom, which is lovely and really does help create a tranquil atmosphere for sleep.

 

THIS IS OUR SECRET-  I don’t keep ANY of my clothes in our bedroom. When I was using the bedroom closet and would get dressed in the bedroom, my clothes would be EVERYWHERE. Now, my clothes (and my mess) are in a different room and only my husband uses the bedroom closet - he is neat and tidy and nothing ever spills over! It’s a WIN WIN!

If you feel a restless night coming on, is there anything you do to help get you through the night without waking? 

 

A hope and a prayer. 

 

What kind of pillows do you use to keep your head in the clouds? 

 

I only JUST got us new king-sized pillows last month- I know, I am SUCH AN ADULT. I love the Endy pillow. 

 

Last but not least, what is your number one piece of can’t-sleep-without advice? 

 

GOOD SHEETS! I’m not just saying that because this is a TUCK Q&A! I sleep 100% better when I am in beautiful, soft linens. With soft, freshly washed sheets, I can slip into bed and pretend for just a moment, that I am on vacation at a luxury resort and I don’t have 3 kids under 5, just outside the door.