Straight answers to the questions I get most. Don't see yours? Email me at esterwellnessig@gmail.com.
Sleep and the ritual
Why do I keep waking up at 3am?
Waking in the middle of the night is common and has lots of possible causes: stress, evening light, a warm room, alcohol, a late sugary snack. Around that time sleep is lighter and cortisol starts its natural morning rise, so small things wake you more easily. My ritual targets the routine side of that. Read the full breakdown in Why you wake up at 3am. If it keeps happening for weeks, or you snore loudly or wake up gasping, please talk to your doctor.
What is the BLOCK, RESTORE, MASK ritual?
Three steps, same order every evening. BLOCK around 7pm: lamps low, screens filtered, phone out of the bedroom. RESTORE around 9:30pm: a slower wind-down, with magnesium if you want support. MASK at 11pm: a cool, dark room. The Sleep Fortress Bundle has one product for each step.
How long until I notice a difference?
Give the full routine 2 to 3 weeks, in the same order each night. Habits like dimming the lights can help sooner, and supplements usually take consistent use. That's why the guarantee is 45 nights.
Supplements
Do your products contain melatonin?
No. None of my sleep or calm products contain melatonin.
How are your supplements made and tested?
Every supplement comes from an FDA-registered manufacturer, is made in a GMP-compliant facility, and has a certificate of analysis (a lab report confirming what's inside). Email me if you'd like the certificate for a product you're buying. More on the Ingredients & Testing page.
Will magnesium glycinate make me groggy?
It's not a sedative. Most people take it 30 to 60 minutes before bed as part of their wind-down. Follow the label dose of 3 capsules.
Magnesium glycinate vs. magnesium oxide: what's the difference?
Glycinate is magnesium bound to the amino acid glycine. It's known for being gentle on the stomach, which is why it's a favorite for evening use. Oxide is cheaper and more likely to cause digestive upset.
Are your supplements vegan?
All of them except the Gotu Kola & Bacopa Clarity Complex, which uses a gelatin capsule. Full ingredient lists are on the Ingredients & Testing page.
Can I take these with medication?
Ask your doctor or pharmacist first, especially if you take medication for blood pressure, thyroid, blood sugar, sleep or blood thinning. Also check first if you're pregnant, nursing or under 18.
Blue light glasses and sleep mask
Do blue light glasses work if the lenses are clear?
Clear lenses filter part of the blue light from screens while keeping colors normal, so you'll actually wear them. They work best as a cue to wind down, worn 1 to 2 hours before bed alongside dimmer lamps. More in Do blue light glasses work before bed?
What is the sleep mask set made of? How do I wash it?
It's satin: smooth, soft and gentle on hair, and easy to care for. Machine wash cold on a gentle cycle and air dry.
The Cortisol Reset guide
How do I get my digital guide?
Your download link appears right after checkout and is emailed to you. You get one zip file with the 11-page PDF, the 3AM Rescue Checklist and 3 short voice notes. Nothing is shipped.
Orders, shipping and returns
Do you offer free shipping?
Yes. Standard shipping is free on U.S. orders of $75 or more, and the Sleep Fortress Bundle qualifies on its own. Under $75, shipping is calculated by weight and shown at checkout before you pay.
Where do you ship, and how long does it take?
I currently ship within the United States only. Standard delivery usually takes 3 to 10 days after your order ships, and you'll get a tracking number by email. Express shipping is available at checkout. Details are in the shipping policy.
How does the 45-night guarantee work?
Email me within 45 days of delivery with your order number and I'll refund the purchase price in full. Opened supplements don't need to come back. For other items I may ask you to return them, and I'll send a prepaid label. Please wait for my reply before sending anything back. Full details are in the refund policy.
My order arrived damaged or wrong. What do I do?
Email me right away at esterwellnessig@gmail.com with your order number and a photo, and I'll replace it or refund you.
How do I contact you?
Email esterwellnessig@gmail.com or use the contact page. You can also message me on Instagram at @esterwellness.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This page is general information, not medical advice.