Waking up at night is something that most of us experience, and we can all agree it can be quite annoying.
Nevertheless, when this occurs, doctors advise against one particular action that can hinder our ability to drift back to sleep.
Dr. Biquan Luo, the CEO of LumosTech, discussed this matter with The New York Times and offered a helpful tip for those who often find themselves awake in the middle of the night.
“Looking at the time can heighten anxiety and make it more difficult to fall asleep again. Moreover, if you check the time on your phone, the information on the screen might be overly stimulating, which can further impede your ability to relax and return to sleep,” Dr. Luo explained.
Tossing and turning in bed, unable to fall asleep for what seems like an eternity, can be quite frustrating. To pass the time until we can drift off again, we often find ourselves scrolling through social media.
However, Dr. Luo strongly recommends against this practice. “If you find yourself unable to sleep after 10 or 15 minutes, it’s best to get out of bed. Find a quiet and comfortable spot in your home, like the couch, and engage in a low-stimulation activity, such as reading a book or doing something calming, until you feel sleepy again – then head back to bed.”
He mentions that the bright light from the phone and its constant stimulation can complicate the process of falling back asleep even further.
Another expert, Dr. Fiona Barwick, who heads the Sleep & Circadian Health Program at Stanford University School of Medicine, recommends shifting our attention to something more soothing if we find ourselves awake during the night.
“Focusing on the fact that you’re not sleeping can activate your mind and increase anxiety. A more effective approach is to accept your current state – don’t fight being awake – and seek an alternative focus,” she advises.
Sleep expert Luis F. Buenaver explains that remaining in bed while fully awake can be more detrimental than beneficial.
“This behavior will cause your mind and body to link your bed with being awake rather than with sleeping.
“It might be tough to get out of a cozy, warm bed after waking up during the night. However, consider this action as a step towards improving your sleep – if not for tonight, then for tomorrow night and beyond.
“Try sitting in a comfy chair in a different room.”
Please SHARE this article with your loved ones on Facebook.
