Wake Up Refreshed: 15 Best Strategies for Going Back to Sleep After Waking Up

We all know the feeling of waking up in the middle of the night only to find ourselves struggling to go back to sleep. This frustrating experience can leave us tired and irritable the next day, affecting our ability to concentrate and perform daily tasks. Fortunately, several strategies can help us get back off to the land of nod quickly and easily. This article will explore the best techniques for returning to sleep after waking up in the middle of the night.

Understanding Sleep Cycles

To effectively tackle the problem of waking up in the middle of the night, it's important first to understand how our sleep cycles work. Our bodies naturally cycle through different stages of sleep throughout the night, ranging from light to deep. Typically, we spend most of our nights in a deep sleep when our bodies repair and rejuvenate. However, it can be difficult to get back off if we wake up during this phase.

During a typical night, we go through several cycles, each lasting approximately 90 minutes. These cycles consist of two main types of sleep: rapid eye movement (REM) and non-rapid eye movement (NREM). NREM can be further divided into three stages: N1, N2, and N3. N1 is the lightest stage, where we transition from being awake to falling asleep. N2 is a deeper stage characterized by slower brainwaves, and N3 is the deepest stage of sleep, also known as slow-wave sleep (SWS). REM, on the other hand, is when most of our dreaming occurs, and our brains become more active. Throughout the night, we cycle through these stages, with the majority of deep sleep occurring in the first half of the night and REM becoming more prominent in the latter half. Understanding these cycles can help us make sense of why we may wake up during the night and how to improve our overall sleep quality.

15 Strategies for Going Back to Sleep After Waking Up

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2. Avoid Looking at the Clock

When we wake up in the middle of the night, it's natural to want to check the time. However, doing so can increase anxiety and make it harder to fall back off. Instead, try turning your clock away from you or covering it up. Removing any distractions that remind you of time passing can create a more relaxed environment for sleep.

3. Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness involves paying attention to the present moment without judgment. When we wake up in the middle of the night, it can be easy to get caught up in racing thoughts and worries. Practicing mindfulness can help calm the mind and make it easier to fall back asleep. Take slow, deep breaths and focus on the sensation of your breath entering and leaving your body. Allow your thoughts to come and go without attaching to them.

4. Try a Weighted Blanket

Weighted blankets are designed to provide gentle pressure to the body, promoting feelings of calm and relaxation. Some people find that using a weighted blanket can help them fall asleep faster and for longer. The added weight can create a sense of security and reduce restlessness during the night.

5. Experiment With Different Sleep Positions

The position in which we sleep can affect the quality. Some people find that sleeping on their side or stomach helps them sleep better, while others prefer doing it on their back. Find the position that feels most comfortable for you and allows for proper spinal alignment. A pillow between the knees or under the neck can provide additional support.

6. Practice Good Sleep Posture

Regardless of your sleep position, it's important to maintain good posture. This means keeping your spine neutral and avoiding excessive twisting or bending. Use a supportive mattress and pillows that align with the natural curves of your body. Proper alignment can prevent discomfort and reduce the likelihood of waking up during the night.

7. Get Out of Bed

If you've been lying for more than 20 minutes without falling back asleep, it may be helpful to get out of bed and do a relaxing activity, such as reading a book or listening to music. This can help break the cycle of frustration and anxiety that can make it harder to fall back asleep. Once you start feeling drowsy, return to bed and try again.

8. Create a Sleep-Conducive Environment

A conducive one can help promote deep, restful sleep. This might include using comfortable bedding, keeping the room cool, and using blackout curtains or an eye mask to block out light. Additionally, ensure a quiet environment by using earplugs or a white noise machine if needed. Making your environment comfortable and free from disturbances can improve your chances of falling and staying asleep.

9. Avoid Stimulating Activities

When we wake up in the middle of the night, it's important to avoid activities that can be stimulating or stressful. This might include checking email, watching TV, or having heated discussions with a partner. Engaging in stimulating activities can increase alertness and make it harder to return to sleep. Instead, opt for calm and relaxing activities that can help induce sleepiness.

10. Consider Consulting a Sleep Specialist

If you've tried various strategies and are still struggling to get back off after waking up, it may be helpful to consult a specialist. They can help diagnose any underlying sleep disorders and provide personalized treatment recommendations. A specialist can assess your specific situation and suggest appropriate interventions or therapies to improve your sleep quality.

11. Try Relaxation Techniques

Sometimes, it can be helpful to use relaxation techniques to calm our minds and bodies. You could try deep breathing, focusing on taking deep, slow breaths, inhaling for a count of four and exhaling for eight. Alternatively, try visualization by closing your eyes and imagine a peaceful scene, such as a beach or a forest. Visualize yourself in this peaceful setting, focusing on the sounds, sights, and smells. Another relaxation technique to try is progressive muscle relaxation, where you systematically tense and release each muscle group in your body, starting from your toes and working your way up to your head.

12. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

While not something you can do immediately, CBT may be a long-term solution. CBT is a type of therapy that is effective in treating disorders. It works by changing negative thought patterns and behaviors that may interfere with sleep. It may be worth considering CBT if you consistently wake up in the middle of the night. A therapist can work with you to identify and address any issues that may be causing your disturbances, helping you to develop more positive habits. Additionally, CBT techniques can teach you coping mechanisms to manage stress and anxiety that may contribute to insomnia.

13. Try Melatonin

Medication or supplements may sometimes be necessary to help you get back to sleep. Melatonin is a hormone that helps regulate sleep-wake cycles. It is available over-the-counter in pill or liquid form. However, it's important to use these options judiciously and under the guidance of a healthcare provider. Start with a low dose and take it about 30 minutes before your desired bedtime. Consult with a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate dosage and duration for your specific needs.

14. Try Prescription Sleep Medications

If other strategies have been ineffective, a healthcare provider may prescribe medication to help you sleep. These medications should only be used under the guidance of a healthcare provider, as they can be habit-forming and have potential side effects. Prescription medications are typically used for short-term relief of insomnia and may be helpful in certain situations, such as when traveling or adjusting to a new sleep schedule. However, they should be used sparingly and as a last resort.

15. Lifestyle Changes

Again, while not an immediate solution, it's important to consider lifestyle changes to promote better sleep. Regular exercise can help promote deeper, more restful sleep. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week. Exercise earlier in the day, as doing so close to bedtime may increase alertness. Equally, eating a large meal before bed can cause discomfort and make it harder to fall asleep. Try to eat your last meal at least two hours before bedtime and avoid both alcohol and caffeine.

It isn't just natural things like food that are a problem. The blue light emitted by electronic devices can interfere with our body's production of melatonin, making it harder to fall asleep. Try to limit screen time in the hours leading up to bedtime. Establish a bedtime routine that includes activities such as reading a book, taking a warm bath, or practicing relaxation techniques. Finally, stress and anxiety can be major contributors to disturbances. Try incorporating relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga into your daily routine to help manage stress. Creating a relaxing bedtime routine can signal to your body that it's time to unwind and prepare for sleep.

Conclusion

If you wake up in the middle of the night and struggle to fall asleep, know you're not alone. Sleep disturbances are common, but there are many strategies you can try to help you get the rest you need. So if you're tired of feeling tired, consider incorporating some of these strategies into your bedtime routine. And if you're looking for an app to try, Mesmerize is a great option that has received positive reviews for its ability to promote relaxation and help users fall asleep quickly.