life
We discuss restorative sleep for optimal rest with The Sleep Chapter’s founder and CEO, Mansi Khandelwal.
What does the first 30 minutes of your day look like, your morning routine?
My morning routine is the anchor of my day. I wake up at 5:30 a.m., a consistent time that helps regulate my body clock. I start the day with a glass of room temperature water to start my metabolism and rehydrate after sleep. These quiet morning moments are when I express gratitude for the gift of a new day and set clear intentions. This practice sets the tone for a positive and purposeful day. I keep the first 30 minutes to myself, which is especially important as a mother of two children. After that, I spend time with my children, sharing breakfast and creating sweet moments before they go to school.
Can you expand on the goal of the sleep chapter?
The chapter on sleep is about reliving the magic of invigorating sleep while simultaneously capturing a sense of deep comfort and relaxation. We started this journey during the challenging times of the pandemic when we saw many people struggling with sleep and anxiety. Our answer was to delve into the science of napping and create a product that could truly help – our weighted blankets. But it was not a hasty decision. We devoted more than a year and a half to perfecting these blankets. We aimed for a product that not only delivers results, but also takes care of the environment. Our commitment to sustainability has led us to use organic fabrics and strive for environmental friendliness. So when you wrap yourself in one of our weighted blankets, it’s not just about sleeping; it’s about finding natural peace and comfort, like a comfortable chapter in your life story. Crafting and sustainability are the core values of the brand – was that the vision from the start? Yes it was. As you rightly mentioned, at The Sleep Chapter, our brand revolves around three core values: craftsmanship, sustainability and unparalleled comfort. However, achieving the perfect balance between these three pillars was no small feat. From the very beginning, we have been committed to ensuring the well-being of our customers and the planet. After a dedicated 1.5 years of hard work, we believe that we have successfully achieved this harmony. We are extremely proud of the fact that The Sleep Chapter’s manufacturing facility operates at a remarkable 90% automation level, ensuring precision and efficiency in every product we create. From production to packaging, our goal was not only zero waste, but also no plastic. Furthermore, our commitment to sustainability is reflected in the fact that we recycle an impressive 70% of our water, demonstrating our commitment to minimizing our impact on the environment.
Can you tell us about your latest weighted blankets and how they help achieve restorative rest?
Our new collection of hand-knitted weighted blankets has a special story behind it. It is a dedication to the empowerment of women. When the pandemic brought economic uncertainty and job losses, we found a group of women with extraordinary weaving skills who were determined to support their families. Starting with just a few women, we have witnessed this skill being generously passed on to others. Today, our community has grown to 30 talented women who hand knit our weighted blankets with care and love. Each blanket is a masterpiece, and what makes it even more special is the unique four-digit code that allows you to follow its entire journey, connecting you to the craftsman who brought it to life. It’s an amazing way to appreciate the passion and expertise that goes into each piece.
What are the advantages of weighted blankets?
The secret behind the magic of weighted blankets lies in the concept of “deep pressure therapy”. It’s like a gentle, even pressure that hugs your body, mimicking the comfort of a warm hug. Similar to swaddling a baby to lull it into a deep sleep. These blankets are known to significantly reduce cortisol levels during nighttime sleep, effectively addressing sleep disorders, pain and stress. Lower cortisol levels mean an overall improvement in physical and mental comfort, making the weighted blanket a milestone for sleep quality. The benefits are multiple: Stress reduction: consistent, gentle pressure helps calm your nervous system, reducing stress and anxiety and creating a sense of security and comfort. Relaxation: Deep pressure stimulates the production of serotonin and melatonin, the feel-good hormones that regulate your sleep-wake cycle. This promotes relaxation and faster falling asleep. Improved sleep quality: Many users experience deeper, more restful sleep with fewer nighttime awakenings, leading to longer, uninterrupted sleep. Less tossing and turning: the extra weight helps keep you in place, reduces restlessness and promotes a stable and comfortable sleeping position. Improved focus: improved sleep quality increases daily focus and productivity. Waking up refreshed allows you to tackle the day’s tasks with clarity and energy. Stress relief: In addition to sleep, a weighted blanket can serve as a valuable tool for managing stress and promoting relaxation, even during waking hours. It’s like having a reliable stress reliever companion.
What else is important for a good sleep?
A good night’s sleep depends on several key elements: A consistent sleep schedule: going to bed and waking up at the same time every day helps regulate your body’s internal clock. Comfortable sleeping environment: A comfortable mattress and pillows together with a cool, dark and quiet room create an ideal sleeping environment. Relaxation: Engaging in calming activities before bed, such as reading, meditating or taking a warm bath, prepares your body for sleep. Limiting stimulants: Avoiding caffeine, nicotine and heavy meals before bed prevents sleep disturbances. Digital detox: Reducing screen exposure before bed is key as the blue light emitted can disrupt your sleep-wake cycle. Physical activity: Regular exercise can promote better sleep, but avoid vigorous exercise before bed. Manage stress: Stress and anxiety can disrupt sleep. Practicing relaxation or stress management techniques can be helpful. Diet: A light, healthy snack before bed can be beneficial, but avoid heavy or spicy foods that may cause discomfort. Limit alcohol: Although alcohol can help you fall asleep, it can disrupt the quality of your sleep, so consume it in moderation. Exposure to sunlight: Exposure to natural light during the day helps regulate your sleep-wake cycle. Limit naps: Long or late daytime naps can disrupt nighttime sleep, so keep them short and early. Bedtime routine: A consistent bedtime routine signals your body that it’s time to relax. Avoid looking at the clock: Constantly checking the clock can increase stress and make it difficult to fall asleep. Tools to improve sleep: Techniques such as weighted blankets, white noise machines, or sleep masks can help create a conductive sleep environment.
What does your evening routine consist of?
My bedtime routine is a carefully crafted series of activities that help me relax and prepare my body and mind for a restful night’s sleep. It’s a mix of relaxation, self careand creating the perfect sleeping environment. I start by disconnecting from the screen at least an hour before bed, making sure there are no phones, tablets or computers nearby. A warm and soothing bath is my main relaxation ritual. I find journaling an enriching practice that allows me to reflect on the day’s activities and process my thoughts and feelings before I settle down for the night. My husband and I share about 30-40 minutes of reading together, which relaxes us and sets the stage for restful sleep. Finally, I do one last check to make sure everything is in order and all the doors are locked, so my mind can be at peace, allowing me to drift off into a peaceful sleep.
This is a question of refinement – how have you refined your life/what is refinement for you?
Improvement, for me, is a constant process of self-improvement. It’s about learning new things, improving my skills and becoming a kinder person to others. Life offers many opportunities for improvement, and that’s what refinement means to me – making those little things better and constantly striving to become a better version of yourself every day.
November – The Refinement Issue with Jimmy Choo – Download now
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Images: Delivered
