Molly Sims Shares Her Nighttime Routine for Better Sleep, Says Supplements 'Help Calm My Mind' (Exclusive)

The actress and model, 51, says she often has trouble staying asleep

Molly Sims is opening up about her sleep routine.

In an interview with PEOPLE about her partnership with Natrol, a sleep supplement brand, the 51-year-old model, actress, and mom shares how she ensures she gets the best rest possible. Part of her routine, she says, includes taking both Natrol’s time-release and fast-dissolve supplements.

"I’ve had a couple of hard years with everything going on, and for me, it’s more about falling asleep," she explains. "I use the time-release supplement, which helps me stay asleep and avoid a 3 a.m. wake-up call. But especially in the past six months — with everything happening, like crossing time zones, losing a parent, and managing crazy kids' schedules — it really helps calm my mind."

"For me, it’s about not waking up with that groggy feeling in the morning when you haven’t slept," Sims continues. "It's really important to me that everything I use is drug-free, so there's no risk of addiction. As you get older, you start to worry about that. It’s not just about sleep, it’s ultimately about living longer and feeling your best."

Related: Molly Sims Reveals She Was Called 'Too Fat' and Shamed for 'Crooked' Nose Early in Modeling Career (Exclusive Clips)

When it comes to her sleep routine, Sims adds that "every week is different." While some weeks are more stressful and hectic than others, she has a few core habits she relies on to maintain balance, including drinking a green juice in the morning and using a red light mask at night for five minutes while she watches a show with her kids. Every now and then, she'll also make a cup of hot chocolate.

"That’s kind of what I’ve been doing instead of having it in the morning when I’m always rushed," she says. "The red light also calms me a little bit."

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Sims also shares how her overall health habits have evolved over the years since welcoming her three kids Grey, Scarlett, and Brooks.

"I think I’m just healthier overall," she says. "I drink a lot more water than I used to, as well as other liquids like broth, matcha, and alkaline drinks. I’m constantly trying to find ways to stay hydrated. I’ve cut back on alcohol and energy drinks, which are full of caffeine and can lead to dehydration. But I’ll still have my Diet Coke every now and then!"