Why Sleep Hygiene Matters: A Conversation with Health Coach Wendy Serrano

We all know that sleep is important. But what happens when, despite all your best efforts, you just can’t seem to achieve quality, restorative rest night after night? 

The good news is that there are small habits you can start adopting long before your head hits the pillow that will help you do just that, from the environment you create to the rituals you return to each evening before bed. That idea is at the heart of our sleep wellness series with KAILO Nutrition, bringing together Coyuchi’s approach to a naturally healthier home with insights from KAILO’s health and wellness experts.

First up, we’re talking with Wendy Serrano, a Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach whose own experience with burnout inspired a shift from the fast-paced world of PR and social media to a career centered on slower living, mindfulness and holistic health.

Wendy Serrano is a Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach who advocates for slow-paced living, mindfulness and holistic health. 

We asked Wendy to share the sleep hygiene habits that have made the biggest difference in her own routine—from creating a calmer bedroom and choosing breathable organic bedding to building an evening ritual that helps signal it’s time to unwind. Here’s how she creates a sleep environment designed for better rest.

The term "sleep hygiene" is something we’re hearing more and more. What does it actually mean?

Sleep hygiene is simply the collection of habits and environmental factors that help prepare your body for quality sleep. We often spend so much time thinking about what we're eating, how we're moving our bodies and the supplements we're taking, however one of the greatest investments we can make in our health is something far simpler: creating an environment that truly supports sleep.

As a Certified Health Coach, I believe quality sleep isn't something we "chase"... it's something we prepare our bodies for. Our brains are constantly taking cues from our environment, and when we intentionally create a calm, supportive space, we're sending a gentle message that it's time to slow down.

Pictured above: Organic Crinkled Percale Duvet Set in Olive Chambray, Organic Print Percale Sheet Set in Olive Asterid, Channel Handstitched Organic Quilt in Hazel Chambray

What's the first thing you recommend changing?

Your bedroom. I always encourage clients to think of their bedroom as a sanctuary rather than just another room in the house. It should be somewhere your mind associates with rest, not work, scrolling or endless to-do lists.

That means reducing clutter, choosing calming colors and textures, softening the lighting in the evening and creating a space you genuinely look forward to retreating to.

Does room temperature really make a difference?

Absolutely. Our core body temperature naturally drops as we prepare for sleep, so sleeping in a cooler room helps support that process. Sleep experts generally recommend keeping your bedroom cool, dark and quiet, with many suggesting a temperature around 65–68°F (18–20°C) for comfortable sleep.

If you tend to overheat at night, lightweight bedding, breathable sleepwear and natural fibers can make a noticeable difference.

Pictured above: Women's Isla Organic Cotton Short Sleeve Pajama Set in Undyed w/ Hazel-Rosehip

Why is darkness so important? 

Light is one of the biggest influences on our circadian rhythm (our internal time clock). As evening approaches, our bodies naturally begin producing melatonin, which helps prepare us for sleep. Bright overhead lighting and late-night screen time can interfere with this process, making it harder to fully switch off.

I love dimming the lights after dinner, putting my phone away before bed and creating a softer atmosphere that tells my body the day is coming to an end.

Let's talk bedding. Does what you sleep in really matter?

I think it matters more than most people realize. We're in bed for around a third of our lives, so what touches our skin every night should feel as comfortable and breathable as possible. That's why I'm such a fan of natural organic fibers.

Coyuchi's organic cotton bedding is beautifully soft, breathable and thoughtfully crafted. Unlike many synthetic fabrics, natural fibers allow better airflow, helping create a more comfortable sleep environment throughout the night. It's one of those small luxuries that supports both comfort and mindful living.

Pictured above: Organic Crinkled Percale Sheet Set in Undyed w/ Indigo-Gray, Organic Crinkled Percale Duvet Set in Steel Blue, Pebbled Handstitched Organic Sham in Midnight Indigo

Do you have an evening ritual?

Always. Our brains thrive on consistency. When we repeat the same calming habits each evening, they become gentle cues that it's time to slow down.

My routine is intentionally simple. I dim the lights, put my phone away, make myself a warm cup of KAILO Sleep Well, spend a few quiet moments reading, then climb into fresh organic bedding. I love KAILO Sleep Well, it’s a hot chocolate collagen blend that contains incredible calming herbs like Ashwagandha, Magnesium, Chamomile and Passionflower… powerful ingredients that send signals to your mind that it is time to rest. 

For me, it's never about rushing to sleep… it's about creating a ritual I genuinely look forward to. That consistency has become one of the most valuable parts of my wellbeing routine.