Woke up in the middle of the night and can't get back to sleep? These 5 tips can help.
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Waking up in the middle of the night is more common than it seems. It could be due to stress, an unexpected noise, difficult digestion, or even because a natural sleep cycle has ended.
The problem starts when, after opening your eyes, sleep seems to have completely vanished. If this happens to you, here are some suggestions that might help:
1. Avoid looking at the clock
Counting time only creates anxiety and makes you feel like you need to fall back asleep quickly.
2. Keep the lights off
If you need to get up, use minimal light. The brain associates bright light with waking up.
3. Get out of bed if you've been awake for a long time
Lying in bed churning thoughts creates an association between the bed and frustration. Get up, do something calm for 10-15 minutes (like reading or deep breathing), and only then go back to bed.
4. Try breathing techniques
Inhaling while counting to 4, holding your breath for 2 seconds, and exhaling to 6 activates the parasympathetic nervous system, helping you relax.
5. Avoid screens
Your phone or television might seem like quick solutions for distraction, but they will make it harder for you to fall back asleep.
If waking up in the middle of the night is frequent, it's worth observing if there are patterns: late eating, caffeine consumption, accumulated stress. Sometimes, small adjustments make big differences.
See also
- Stress and anxiety affect sleep
- Slowing down before sleep
- The 4-7-8 method: how to fall asleep in 60 seconds
- Melatonin: the sleep hormone
Explore: Sleep Hygiene Quiz