preparing for bedtime

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "preparing for bedtime" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing activities or routines that occur before going to sleep, particularly in the context of children or personal bedtime rituals. Example: "After dinner, we start preparing for bedtime by reading a story and brushing our teeth."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

This Christmas Eve, just like every year, we shall prepare for bedtime by hanging a stocking at the end of the bed, leaving a mince pie and a small glass of malt whisky for Santa (he prefers an aged Islay in our house; you can keep your sherry) and, of course, a carrot for Rudolph.

The Guardian - Opinion

Ever heard the phrase "Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, and dinner like a pauper?" That's because your metabolism starts shutting down during the nighttime as it prepares for bedtime, making late meals prime candidates for being stored as fat instead of burned as calories.[12].[12]

WikiHow

Start preparing him for bedtime an hour earlier as this will help him slip into the sleep mode easily.

WikiHow

Any of the following may be of help: Maintain a regular bedtime routine Avoid alcohol and caffeine Make extra time to wind-down and prepare yourself for bedtime Use the bedroom for sleep and sex only Control the light, noise, and temperature of your bedroom Avoid napping during the day.

WikiHow

He observed workers prepare rooms for bedtime - the so-called turndown service - and realised that the process was not standardised.

BBC

Take care to prepare hair for bedtime.

Huffington Post

Usually things that start to slow them down will help get them sleepy and prepare them for bedtime.

WikiHow

3. Prepare for bedtime like you prepare for work or workouts.

Huffington Post

Even if you follow all the steps to prepare for a peaceful bedtime routine, your toddler may sometimes cry and refuse to go to sleep.

WikiHow

Be prepared for bedtime.

WikiHow

In the meantime, there's Alaskan Copper River salmon robustly calling my name from the kitchen, and my pj's are briskly suggesting an early bedtime to prepare for boot camp tomorrow... Stay tuned!

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about children's sleep habits, use "preparing for bedtime" to emphasize routine and predictability, which can be comforting for them.

Common error

Avoid replacing "preparing for bedtime" with overly formal or complex alternatives. The simplicity of the phrase is often its strength, particularly when communicating with a broad audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "preparing for bedtime" functions as a verb phrase, describing the actions taken in anticipation of going to sleep. As Ludwig AI reports, it is grammatically correct and easily understood. The examples provided showcase its use in diverse contexts such as routines and hotel services.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "preparing for bedtime" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe the process of getting ready for sleep. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts. It’s often associated with routines, especially those for children, but applies to anyone seeking to improve their sleep quality. Alternatives like "getting ready for bed" or "winding down for sleep" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. A key best practice is to use the phrase to emphasize routine and predictability, particularly when discussing children's sleep habits. Avoid overcomplicating the phrase with overly formal language as simplicity is often its strength.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

getting ready for bed

Focuses on the action of making oneself ready to sleep, similar to preparing.

winding down for sleep

Emphasizes relaxation and reducing activity before sleeping.

establishing a bedtime routine

Highlights the creation of a consistent pattern before sleep.

getting set for the night

Indicates final preparations before nighttime.

settling in for the evening

Suggests a transition into a relaxed state before sleeping.

gearing up for sleep

Implies a build-up towards sleep, similar to preparing.

priming oneself for sleep

Emphasizes mentally and physically preparing for sleep.

arranging things for bedtime

Focuses on organizing the environment for sleep.

making preparations for sleep

A more formal version of preparing for bedtime.

organizing affairs before sleep

Highlights putting things in order before sleeping.

FAQs

What activities are typically involved in "preparing for bedtime"?

Activities for "preparing for bedtime" often include taking a bath, brushing teeth, reading a story, and putting on pajamas, all aimed at creating a relaxing routine.

What can I say instead of "preparing for bedtime"?

You can use alternatives like "getting ready for bed", "winding down for sleep", or "establishing a bedtime routine" depending on the context.

Is "preparing for bedtime" only used for children?

While often associated with children, "preparing for bedtime" can apply to anyone establishing a routine before sleep to improve sleep quality.

How does a bedtime routine help in "preparing for bedtime"?

A consistent bedtime routine signals the body that it's time to sleep, making it easier to fall asleep and improving overall sleep quality.