A good night’s rest feels more elusive than ever with what’s going on in our lives right now. Routines have been disrupted, stress is at an all-time high and it’s inevitable for smart sleeping patterns to fall apart.
But remember, not sleeping well—especially with all the added stress we’re experiencing—can seriously interfere with our ability to manage physical and psychological pain. Without good sleep, we’re also more susceptible to infection.
Tell me what’s been working (or *not* working!) for you lately. Is there an app you’ve downloaded to help you fall asleep? Are you trying to read more at night? Have you been wearing yourself out after a hot shower or workout or good ‘ol self/partner lovin? Are you instead embracing your nighttime hours and finding the dark more creatively therapeutic than the day? Tell me in the comments, if you can.
I'll share what's been working with me: Not much! Admittedly, I've had to sleep a lot during the day because of my current pain medication. But I still rely on Headspace's Night Swimming sleepcast and love a soothing audiobook narrator (like Tom Hanks reading "The Dutch House" by Ann Patchett!)
I stopped looking at Twitter before bed to avoid seeing how terrible the leaders of the world are right now and I stopped looking at instagram to avoid feeling inadequate. I started watching funny YouTube videos and the listening to a Headspace Sleepcast. That usually puts me to sleep quickly.
I'm glad you're doing what you need to do <3 Big proponent of keeping social media/phones off for several hours per day, too. And if you ever want a heartwarming show to watch, check out Steven Universe :)
omg I've been so on the fence about downloading TikTok! Luckily my friends send me some silly ones to watch via Twitter/Instagram. Phones stress me out so I usually try to stay far away from more apps!
That totally makes sense because screen addiction can be a real problem, these days especially. And I was hesitant about downloading it, too. But I gotta say, it is endlessly funny and gets those endorphins flowing.
Usually I take a hot shower, and then I get into bed. I might do activities like watch Netflix, take an online course, or check my email, but right before I go to sleep, I'll do some reading.
It's been harder and harder to leave the electronics on the table during all this. I'm so tempted to fall asleep with my computer or phone. But trying to go back to my reading routine! Do you feel like there's been any shift in your pre-sleep behavior with all the *stuff* going on?
I think there has. I think I've been more intentional about trying to do relaxing or fun activities, instead of scrolling on my phone. Also I used to journal before bed, but often I got too tired to do it, but now that I've been working from home, I do it first thing in the morning, which leaves me more time to unwind at night.
I've been leaving journaling for the end of the day and noticed it's easy to forget (or just...ignore) so will be taking a note from you and starting my day with journaling tomorrow :)
Well this is pretty boring of me but I try not to rely on anything in order to get me to sleep. I guess I’m lucky that I can fall asleep at any time of the day but if there is an instance where I cannot sleep due to excess energy, I tend to wake up early that next day, stay up all day and be productive, and be sure I’m tired at the end of the day to fall back asleep.
lolololololol HEY BORING IS GOOD and I'm so jealous I wish I could fall asleep easily but also do the stay-up-all-day-and-don't-nap thing if I have a restless night
Poetry books!! I'm reading Tarfia Faizullah's Register of Illuminated Villages right. Reading helps my eyes rest from all the blue light of screens all day and when I'm tired enough the words just start swimming around and make their own imagery and new lines — pretty cool, and makes for good dreaming.
I NEED TO READ HOW TO CURE A GHOST!!! Putting that one on my list.
I'm still dipping into *poetic waters* but I LOVE Jake Skeets' "Eyes Bottle Dark with a Mouthful of Stars," Ocean Vuong's "Night Sky with Exit Wounds," and I'm going to read Natalie Diaz's "Postcolonial Love Poem" next!
But if anyone wants a beautiful intro into the wild, lush landscape of poetry by POC, listen to VS the Podcast by the Poetry Foundation! Also, just watched the "WE BEEN HERE National Poetry Month Kickback Series: On Diaspora" event from earlier today and it knocked my socks off: https://www.facebook.com/ArtsinBoston/videos/527222741314915/
Hello Fiza, I was wondering if there is any way I can get an email to reach out to you. It would be a tremendous help if you just heard me out. Im desperate please.
I'll share what's been working with me: Not much! Admittedly, I've had to sleep a lot during the day because of my current pain medication. But I still rely on Headspace's Night Swimming sleepcast and love a soothing audiobook narrator (like Tom Hanks reading "The Dutch House" by Ann Patchett!)
tom hanks' narration ALWAYS helped me fall asleep
need him to narrate more books!!! or maybe just have a pod series where he reads children's books
tom hanks???
tom. hanks.
Sound baths
I don't have a tub (crying) but can imagine how meditative that kind of stillness is. I get that feeling when I'm submerged or swimming in the pool.
Hi Fiza,
I just wanted to let you know, I send you another email. I understand you are busy, you can respond whenever you have time. I will be waiting.
I stopped looking at Twitter before bed to avoid seeing how terrible the leaders of the world are right now and I stopped looking at instagram to avoid feeling inadequate. I started watching funny YouTube videos and the listening to a Headspace Sleepcast. That usually puts me to sleep quickly.
I'm glad you're doing what you need to do <3 Big proponent of keeping social media/phones off for several hours per day, too. And if you ever want a heartwarming show to watch, check out Steven Universe :)
I watch TikTok videos before I sleep. It gives me a good laugh. A mood lifter. And then I doze off without a problem.
omg I've been so on the fence about downloading TikTok! Luckily my friends send me some silly ones to watch via Twitter/Instagram. Phones stress me out so I usually try to stay far away from more apps!
That totally makes sense because screen addiction can be a real problem, these days especially. And I was hesitant about downloading it, too. But I gotta say, it is endlessly funny and gets those endorphins flowing.
that's all that matters :)
Staying away from news and social media w/ news gives me a false sense of peace at night (sometimes)
So feel you. How do you keep your distance? (I usually spend 5-6 hours completely tech-less. It's so nice.)
I'm so restless. But audiobooks, white noise, and lately guided sleep meditations are helping me fall asleep!
a gentleman in moscow was a good audiobook to listen to at night!! are you on that one yet? his voice was just perfect
Usually I take a hot shower, and then I get into bed. I might do activities like watch Netflix, take an online course, or check my email, but right before I go to sleep, I'll do some reading.
It's been harder and harder to leave the electronics on the table during all this. I'm so tempted to fall asleep with my computer or phone. But trying to go back to my reading routine! Do you feel like there's been any shift in your pre-sleep behavior with all the *stuff* going on?
I think there has. I think I've been more intentional about trying to do relaxing or fun activities, instead of scrolling on my phone. Also I used to journal before bed, but often I got too tired to do it, but now that I've been working from home, I do it first thing in the morning, which leaves me more time to unwind at night.
I've been leaving journaling for the end of the day and noticed it's easy to forget (or just...ignore) so will be taking a note from you and starting my day with journaling tomorrow :)
Well this is pretty boring of me but I try not to rely on anything in order to get me to sleep. I guess I’m lucky that I can fall asleep at any time of the day but if there is an instance where I cannot sleep due to excess energy, I tend to wake up early that next day, stay up all day and be productive, and be sure I’m tired at the end of the day to fall back asleep.
Pretty boring but it works for me.
showoff!!! haha jk (kinda) hi riyaz
lolololololol HEY BORING IS GOOD and I'm so jealous I wish I could fall asleep easily but also do the stay-up-all-day-and-don't-nap thing if I have a restless night
the "sleep with me" podcast!! it's a rambling guy telling you sweet harmless nonsense
oooooh i need to check this out asap
Poetry books!! I'm reading Tarfia Faizullah's Register of Illuminated Villages right. Reading helps my eyes rest from all the blue light of screens all day and when I'm tired enough the words just start swimming around and make their own imagery and new lines — pretty cool, and makes for good dreaming.
omg love. thanks for sharing! gotta check this out! Reading how to cure a ghost right now (though I’m indulging in some Persepolis first!)
fave poetry books of all time??
I NEED TO READ HOW TO CURE A GHOST!!! Putting that one on my list.
I'm still dipping into *poetic waters* but I LOVE Jake Skeets' "Eyes Bottle Dark with a Mouthful of Stars," Ocean Vuong's "Night Sky with Exit Wounds," and I'm going to read Natalie Diaz's "Postcolonial Love Poem" next!
But if anyone wants a beautiful intro into the wild, lush landscape of poetry by POC, listen to VS the Podcast by the Poetry Foundation! Also, just watched the "WE BEEN HERE National Poetry Month Kickback Series: On Diaspora" event from earlier today and it knocked my socks off: https://www.facebook.com/ArtsinBoston/videos/527222741314915/
commenting to follow notifications becaause I could use all the help:)
lol smart!
Hello Fiza, I was wondering if there is any way I can get an email to reach out to you. It would be a tremendous help if you just heard me out. Im desperate please.
Hey Naima, I'm at fiza.pirani@gmail.com!
Hi Fiza, I just sent you an email. Thank you so much.
I feel you. Used to be an early riser; now I can’t seem to get out of bed.