Anyone who’s ever watched an episode of The Crown or The Tudors knows that royals most certainly didn’t—and currently don’t—live or sleep like us.
While they may have relationship drama that’s (well, vaguely) relatable, that’s where the similarities end. Kings and queens and princes and princesses live a different sort of reality from the minute they wake up in the morning to the moment they lay their gilded heads on their pillows to sleep at night.
However, we imagine that in the process many of them sleep pretty well—and we can learn a lot from them when trying to upgrade our sleep routines. Ahead, we’re sharing six ways to sleep like a king or queen, based on the sleep habits of the royal family.
How to sleep like royalty
1. Go to bed at the same time every night
Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was known to go to sleep at the same time each night and wake up at the same time each morning.
Having a structured sleep routine is an important part of sleep hygiene—and it’s a habit that has ultimately been repeated by other royals in her family, such as Princess Kate.
2. Sleep separately from your partner
Now, this doesn’t sound very sexy or romantic, but royal couples including Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip historically maintained separate bedrooms.
Separate bedrooms may not always be practical in the average household, but they allow everyone to sleep at their ideal comfort level.
A sleep divorce, as it’s called these days, lets couples choose their preferred mattress type and how cool or warm they sleep. It also lets them avoid each other’s sleep-disrupting habits like snoring, grinding teeth, or talking in their sleep.
For a modern example, King Charles and Queen Camilla still have separate bedrooms—the King has chronic back pain, and it’s easier for him to manage it if he sleeps alone. Practical, isn’t it?
3. Wind down before bedtime
Doing a relaxing activity before bed can help you wind down and get a more restful night’s sleep.
For Queen Elizabeth, that involved taking some time to read before setting in for the night. For you, it might be journaling, crafting, or taking a warm bath.
4. Start the day with light exercise
Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle has said in interviews that she starts most days with some light yoga and stretching.
This is a perfect way to start the day balanced and from a healthy and good energy place. Learn more about the sleep benefits of morning workouts.
5. Eat dinner early
The Princess of Wales, who mirrors the late Queen’s sleep hygiene habits in many ways, goes to bed nightly between 10 and 11 pm and always eats dinner at 6 pm.
Eating a big meal too close to bedtime can negatively impact your sleep. It can cause acid reflux, which can make it harder to snooze. That’s why experts recommend eating dinner at least three hours before bed.
6. Prioritize sleep quality
King Charles III is said to sleep in a custom orthopedic bed, have his sheets freshly washed and ironed daily, and wear freshly pressed pajamas.
While we can’t all aspire to exactly this as non-royals, it’s an important message to emphasize sleep quality whenever possible. That’s because sleep is essential for your physical and mental health.
You can improve your sleep quality by limiting screen time a couple of hours before bed, avoiding coffee and alcohol close to bedtime, and creating a cool, comfortable sleep environment.
FAQs
Do the royals still sleep in separate beds?
It seems many royals still do, from the King and Queen to the Prince and Princess of Wales. Still, while they maintain separate bedrooms, it’s fair to say they have sleepovers whenever the mood hits them!
What do royals wear to bed?
While there’s no steadfast tradition of what royals should wear to bed, there have been some pretty standout royal traditions in this area. For example, Prince Philip was known to sleep naked! The messaging in all this? Sleep however you’re most comfortable and most likely to have a great night’s rest.
Sleep like royalty with Saatva
We’d all love to live like royalty, and one great way to do that is to upgrade your sleep routine in every way you can.
You can elevate your sleep with our high-quality mattresses and luxury bedding. Take our mattress quiz to find your perfect bed—and you’ll be sleeping like royalty in no time.
