If you’re struggling to sleep the best thing you can do is get out of bed and do something low-key or tedious to tire your mind and body. If you have so much awake time, you might find that being productive will help you feel calmer.
Below we list some productive things to do when you’re struggling to sleep. Most importantly, avoid screens at all costs. Scrolling through social media or watching TV might be tempting, but it could keep you awake even longer.
Productive things to do if you’re struggling to sleep
- Try the 4-7-8 breathing technique. Lie down comfortably, relax your body, Inhale for a count of four, hold your breath for a count of seven and exhale for a count of eight. Repeat at least four times
- Take a hot, soothing bath
- Listen to a podcast or an audio book
- Read a book
- Make a list of things that make you happy or start a gratitude list
- Knit
- Clean the refrigerator
- Plan the week’s meals, and the shopping list, depending on your motivation levels
- Play crossword puzzles or sudoku
- Choose a room in your house and tidy it up, dusting included (again, depending on your motivation levels)
- Write a love letter to yourself
- Write a letter of gratitude to a loved one
- Go outside for some fresh air, look up and enjoy the night sky
- Do gentle stretches
- Try a guided meditation
- Fold laundry
- Organise your pantry cupboard
- Tidy your junk drawer
- Mend some old clothes
- Make a To-Do list and organise the next few days (be sure to add ‘buy a new Sealy’ to your list!)
- Do something that could save you time the following day
The most productive thing to do the next day
If you are struggling to sleep often, consider whether or not a new mattress is the answer. A good mattress supports your body and allows it to relax and fall into a deep sleep.
You may have heard that you need to get eight hours of sleep, but when you’re talking about sleep, the quality matters as much as how long you sleep. Throughout the night you go through different stages of sleep, and deep sleep (sleep stages 3 and 4) is what allows you to wake up refreshed. It also promotes growth and repairs tissues and bones and strengthens the immune system.
Having the right mattress can make all the difference to a good night’s sleep. Browse the Sealy website to find out more about our range, and the many advances we have made in sleep technology in recent years.