Last Updated on August 14, 2025 by Maite
Insights from Wellness & Meditation Expert Soelae Riley
We all know sleep is important, but how often do we actually give it the space it deserves?
Maybe you’ve had those nights where your body feels tired, but your mind just won’t switch off. Or mornings where you wake up more exhausted than when you went to bed. If that sounds familiar, you’re definitely not alone.
In a world where being busy is the norm, it’s easy to treat sleep like something we’ll “get around to.” But deep, restorative rest plays an essential role in our overall sense of wellbeing, and understanding how to create space for it can be a powerful step forward.
So, how do you begin supporting better sleep without it becoming another pressure on your plate?
We spoke with Greencare wellness expert Soelae Riley, a meditation teacher and corporate mental wellbeing educator, to unpack this topic from a realistic, human perspective. Whether you’re curious about why deep sleep matters or looking for a place to start, this Q&A might help guide your next steps.
Soelae, why is deep sleep important for wellbeing?
Soelae Riley:
Quality sleep is so much more important than people realize – it’s when our bodies restore themselves, boost our immune system, and process everything from the day. What I’ve observed in my work is that many health professionals now consider quality sleep the number one factor for our health – and I agree. When we’re not sleeping well, it’s not just about feeling tired the next day; it really affects our mental health and how we handle life’s daily pressures. The good news is there’s now so much research and understanding about what supports quality sleep, which means we can take practical steps to improve it.
What affects your sleep quality?
Soelae Riley:
So many things can impact our sleep – mental load, emotional stress, our physical environment, and screen exposure (the blue light from our devices actually interferes with melatonin production, making it harder to fall asleep naturally). I tell my clients it’s not about achieving the “perfect” night’s sleep, but looking at what’s happening in your life that might be affecting your rest. Having struggled with sleep myself in the past, I know how important it is to assess these factors – is your room dark enough? Is the temperature right? Are you turning off your phone? Sometimes simple changes like playing calming music, doing a meditation or deep breathing, or reading before bed can make all the difference. Working with a wellness practitioner can help you identify what might work best for you.
Is meditation something people can try to support their sleep routine?
Soelae Riley:
Yes, meditation may help support a sleep routine, especially if the mind tends to stay busy at night. Evening meditation practices, even short ones, may help people begin to unwind and reconnect with the body’s natural signals for rest. It’s not about stopping thoughts or reaching a certain state, but creating space to shift from “doing” to “being.” Any meditation practice at any time of day can also help support a better night’s sleep. For many people, nighttime is the only time we actually turn everything off, and that’s when our minds can suddenly feel very loud. Meditating during the day helps reduce this mental noise in the evening.
What other wellness practices might support better sleep habits?
Soelae Riley:
I’m a big believer in evening routines – they don’t need to be fancy or take hours, just something that tells your body “we’re winding down now.” This might look like switching off all devices 30 minutes before bed, reading a book, sipping chamomile tea, having a warm bath, writing in a journal, or doing an evening meditation or breath practice. These simple rituals don’t guarantee sleep, but they create the right conditions for your nervous system to start settling. The key is choosing what genuinely feels good to you, not adding another item to your to-do list!
When someone comes to you with sleep concerns, what does your approach look like?
Soelae Riley:
I take a holistic view — as a meditation teacher and wellness coach we explore lifestyle patterns, emotional wellbeing, stress levels, and how to set up the environment for better sleep. It’s always a gentle, person-led approach. It’s completely individual. Some people benefit from mindfulness practices, others need to adjust their routines, and some need to address underlying stress. We figure out what they need most and build sustainable habits from there.
Sleep is personal and so is your wellness journey. If you’ve been reflecting on your sleep or want to gently shift your evening routine, a conversation with a wellness practitioner might be a supportive place to begin.
At Greencare Clinics, our wellness experts like Soelae Riley offer individualised guidance via telehealth to support your unique lifestyle and health goals. Learn more about Soelae Riley and book your one on one meditation today.
