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.
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.
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.
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.
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!)
Sound baths
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 watch TikTok videos before I sleep. It gives me a good laugh. A mood lifter. And then I doze off without a problem.
Staying away from news and social media w/ news gives me a false sense of peace at night (sometimes)
I'm so restless. But audiobooks, white noise, and lately guided sleep meditations are helping me fall asleep!
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.
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.
the "sleep with me" podcast!! it's a rambling guy telling you sweet harmless nonsense
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.
commenting to follow notifications becaause I could use all the help:)
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.