Doing this could make it even harder to fall back asleep
A sleep expert has revealed what not to do if you find yourself awake in the middle of the night.
Waking up in the middle of the night is something many of us have experienced. While some are lucky enough to fall back asleep quickly, others might toss and turn for what feels like forever.
For light sleepers, getting back to dreamland can be challenging, and there is one mistake you should avoid to help improve your chances of falling asleep again.
A doctor has shared a tip for those who might find themselves wide awake during the night. Dr. Biquan Luo, CEO of LumosTech, spoke to the New York Post and explained:
"Checking the time can increase stress and make it harder to sleep. Additionally, if you check the time on your phone, the contents of the phone may be too stimulating, which further prevents you from relaxing and falling asleep."
When you're lying awake, it might feel tempting to grab your phone to pass the time. After all, a quick scroll through TikTok or Instagram seems harmless, right?
A doctor has revealed the the one thing you absolutely should not do if you wake up in the middle of the night Getty Stock Photo
However, Dr. Luo strongly advises against picking up your phone or scrolling through social media at night. The bright light and endless stimulation can make falling asleep even more difficult.
Dr. Luo added: "If you can't fall back asleep after 10 or 15 minutes, it's time to get out of bed. Try going to a quiet and comfortable place at home, like the couch, and engage in a quiet, low-stimulation activity, such as reading a book or doing a calming activity, until you feel sleepy again - then return to bed."
Another expert, Dr. Fiona Barwick, who leads the Sleep & Circadian Health Program at Stanford University School of Medicine, also suggested a better approach. Instead of stressing over your inability to sleep, she recommended shifting your focus to something more calming.
Don't check the time if you're struggling to sleep! Getty Stock Photo
Dr. Barwick told Self: "Thinking about the fact that you're not sleeping can rouse your mind and make you more anxious. A better move is to accept your situation – don't resist being awake – and find an alternative focus."
Another sleep specialist weighed in with advice. He emphasized that staying in bed while you’re wide awake might do more harm than good. Luis F. Buenaver explained in John Hopkins Medicine: "Doing this will lead your brain and body to associate your bed with wakefulness instead of with sleep."
"It can be difficult leaving a warm, comfortable bed after waking up in the middle of the night. But think of this step as an investment in better sleep – if not tonight then tomorrow night and in the future."
"Sit in a comfortable chair in another room."
