Sleep Well with Maddison Sullivan-Thorpe
77% of our community struggle to switch off at night, Maddison Sullivan-Thorpe included. Marketing consultant, co-host of the Style-ish podcast, and devoted dog mum to George the golden retriever, Maddison is an unstoppable force by day. But even for a high-achiever, the off-switch doesn’t always come easy. After noticing she had structure in her mornings but none at night, she’s learning to treat rest with the same intention she brings to everything else — because winding down is just as important as powering through.
Would you call yourself a good sleeper, or someone who’s still figuring it out?
Definitely still figuring it out. Sleep feels like a practice, not something I’ve perfected. Some nights are great, some aren’t. The consistency in trying is what feels important.
When did you realise proper rest was missing from your routine?
I started to realise that I had so much structure in my days, but none at night. Rest was very much an afterthought, not an intention. And I wanted to start practicing resting as much as I was practicing being a Type A during the day.
What are the small things you’re trying now to support your sleep, even if it’s not perfect yet?
I'm having an everything shower every night and reading a book before bed. I'm also getting my golden retriever, George, to sleep at the end of the bed, not at the top. It is very disruptive when he's there!
Is scent an important part of your evening ritual?
I love scent, I think it’s really important. Those beautiful scents that help you feel calm and grounded are really important to help you wind down.
If someone’s stuck in a sleep-anxiety spiral, what’s one thing you’d suggest they try first?
My golden words of advice: don't aim for the perfect sleep. Just aim for a gentler night and gentler expectations on yourself.
