The Foolproof Way This Busy Founder Winds Down for Bed

​Welcome to Pillow Talk: A series where founders, designers, and other inspirational creatives share their dreamy bedtime routines and nighttime rituals. Today, Karin Sun, founder of bedding and bath brand Crane & Canopy,​ ​discusses her go-to relaxation techniques, busy working mom life hacks, and (of course) her favorite bedding.​

For me, rituals are the key to relaxation. As the lines between work and home have blurred with shelter-in-place this past year, I've found that a consistent nighttime routine helps me prepare for sleep. After putting the kids to bed, I like to unwind by making myself a cup of decaf Green Tea and reading a book. These quiet moments help me relax and settle in for the night.

I think it's so important to design a bedroom that fosters your best night's rest. For me, that means my bedroom is a space that calms and relaxes. To create my very own sleep haven, I focus on incorporating relaxing colors, and of course, high-quality bedding.

When it comes to bedding, my rule has always been to buy the best you can afford. One of the perks of my job is that I get to try a lot of bedding. Currently on my bed are Crane & Canopy's newest Italian percale sheets. The sheets are not only beautifully made but also feel incredibly cool and crisp. I also love wrapping myself up in fluffy and cozy bedding. My go-to during the winter months has been the Supreme Goose Down Comforter, topped with our Linden Duvet Cover, and a Lightweight Quilt in case I get cold throughout the night.

When it comes to pajamas (and I might be biased), the Layla Pajamas are my go-to sleep and loungewear. The set is incredibly soft and so chic with a monogram.

Setting the perfect temperature for sleep is a crucial one for me. Overly warm or cold temperatures can wreak havoc on your sleep and wake cycle. For optimal rest, sleep experts recommend keeping your room temperature between 60 and 67 degrees. I've found this range helps me not only fall asleep faster, but also achieve a more restful night's sleep.

I love a simple cleanse, tone, and moisturize routine for healthy, glowing skin. I started using the SK-II Essence after college, and it's been a staple on my counter ever since. The products feature a superstar ingredient, Pitera, which has helped transform my skin for a natural dewy glow. It's very lightweight and my skin always feels incredible in the mornings. I also love Glow's Watermelon Sleeping Mask, which I use a few times a week to make my skin look more radiant.

Lighting a delicately scented candle or diffusing essential oils is also a mainstay in my evening routine. Our sense of smell largely affects our emotions and overall wellbeing, and I find that calming scents like lavender help me to relax and prepare for rest.

Similarly, Magnesium is a game-changing supplement when it comes to maintaining a healthy sleep routine. In our highly connected digital atmosphere — and in a largely WFH era — it's easy to fall into a pattern of excessive screen time, especially in the evenings. This can be incredibly disruptive to our circadian rhythm and natural sleep patterns. Taking magnesium a few hours before bed helps me wind down from my day, increases feelings of calm, and sets my body and mind up for a great night's sleep.

Plus, as a working mom of two young kids, the active days between remote school and Zoom meetings can leave my mind racing. Engaging in a relaxing activity before bedtime helps me unwind. Some of my favorite evening activities are doing a simple gentle yoga routine and writing in my journal. Journaling helps me clear my mind before bed and plan for the next day ahead.

On those rare evenings when I have a bit more time for pampering, one of my favorite unwind rituals is a relaxing bath with the works — there's nothing like a scented bath bomb and a plush, cozy bathrobe to brighten your mood.