The Simple Trick That Revolutionised Roxy Jacenko's Sleep
Welcome to Bedtime Stories, an interview series where we ask inspiring individuals to share their nighttime routine and sleep secrets – from the beauty products they can’t live without to the tricks they swear by when they’re too tired to function (no coffee needed). For this instalment, Sydney-based entrepreneur, founder of leading Australian PR Agency Sweaty Betty and mother-of-two, Roxy Jacenko, reveals how she manages to juggle a successful business with her family duties, why she doesn't believe in setting morning alarms and the trick she uses to help lull her into deep, uninterrupted sleep, night after night.
If you happen to be one of Roxy Jacenko's 263k-plus Instagram followers, you'll know she's up at the break of dawn hustling out the door, spending all day running to and from meetings, managing her business and team of 20, juggling her family commitments and still finding time to fit in a workout.
Known for her honest, no-nonsense demeanour, it comes as no surprise that (lots of) coffee plays a role in helping her stay on top of her game 365 days of the year. But aside from caffeine, the mother-of-two has also come to realise the importance of quality sleep - even if it's only for a few hours. Once struggling to switch off at night, Jacenko has managed to find one simple trick that helps calm her mind from stress and soothe her into deep quality sleep, so she wakes up energised and refreshed - no alarm needed.
Here, Bed Threads Journal sat down with the motivational businesswoman to find out everything there is to know about how she juggles her demanding lifestyle with family duties, all while practicing (a dash of) much-needed self-care.
Hi Roxy! Welcome to Bedtime Stories. Can you walk us through your bedtime routine?
I aim to try and be asleep by about 10.30pm but by the time my husband Oli and I wrangle my two kids Pixie and Hunter into bed, it’s more likely after 11pm.
I must have a shower in the morning and night, and I find I simply cannot get into bed until I have had my bath. At least twice a week I have a bath using Amazing Oil's Sleep Magnesium Flakes as I have found this helps lull me to sleep and I actually have quality snooze throughout the night.
Dinner is always with Oli who loves to cook - I am in charge of the cleaning and groceries, and he preps dinner. Then once we've eaten and cleaned up, we both work on our emails for a while and catch up on some TV. At the moment we're watching Powerbook III on Stan – I would highly recommend it!
What sleep or beauty products do you swear by that you won’t go a night without?
My skincare routine is surprisingly very basic – I should use more products and put more effort into it but time is a real issue for me (or maybe I'm just lazy when it comes to skincare!).
I always remove my makeup using Sante by Enjo Cleansing Pads and I have for many years; I love the fact that you just throw them in the wash after use and you aren’t being wasteful using conventional makeup wipes, which are detrimental for the environment. I then always cleanse with RATIONALE's The Cleanser. I also never sleep without wearing my retainer as it's highly likely I would wake up with no teeth – I have a terrible habit of teeth grinding!
What is your solution for those nights you simply can’t nod off to sleep?
I would often find myself unable to fall asleep until I started taking my magnesium baths - I have found this has really revolutionised my sleep quality. Other than that, I'll admit I like a nice drink when I get home as it always helps me relax.
What time does your alarm go off in the morning?
An alarm isn’t something I have ever used to wake up. I'm a light sleeper and the second the sun rises my body clock tells me it's time to get up and out the door. I find the sound of an alarm tone starts my day off badly because I'm left startled. The only reason I'll use an alarm is if I have an early flight to catch.
I don't think there is a person who is ready quicker than me. I'm fortunate to be able to have my makeup done professionally at my desk so it’s a quick shower, I go over my hair with the Mermade Hair Blowdry Brush (which is a lifesaver for those with little time), I dress and I'm out the door. I don’t do breakfast so it's coffee at my desk from my local barista.
The kids, on the other hand, would sleep all day if they were given the option, so they need to be woken up in the morning. They are dropped off at school by their nanny who has been with us for some time and because they aren’t morning people, it's breakfast in the car on the way to school.
What are three things (besides coffee) that help when you’re too tired to function?
To be honest, the concept of "not functioning" is not an option for me. I'm responsible for over 20 team members and every single one of them needs me to be on my best game to support them throughout the working day - both personally and professionally. Plus, I also have the full-time role as a mum and wife so being tired is something you simply forget about.
If anything, I'll take myself outside to our office garden as I find the combination of sunshine and fresh air really helps soothe and calm my mind.
You mentioned you don't eat breakfast but is there anything you swear by to kick start your day?
I'll have three skim piccolo coffees before midday!
For more from Roxy, follow her on Instagram @roxyjacenko.
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