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| Meta Title | What To Do When You Can’t Sleep: 23 Researched Tips | Casper Blog |
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| Boilerpipe Text | What To Do When You Can’t Sleep: 23 Researched Tips
Do you lay in bed for hours but can’t seem to fall asleep? If you’re one of the
68% of Americans
who struggle to fall asleep at least once a week, you’ve likely experienced the frustrations of tossing and turning at night to no avail.
Whether you’re in need of a
super-soft pillow
or just need your brain to slow down and relax, lying awake at night can be not only uncomfortable — it can even
affect your mental well-being and performance
the next day.
So what do you do when you can’t sleep? Here are some common culprits that might be keeping you up, along with our tips to help you
fall back asleep
.
Reasons Why You Can’t Sleep
If you’re having trouble catching Zs, you might want to think about the root cause of your
poor sleep
struggles. Is it a physical issue, like being uncomfortably warm or having a backache? Or does it stem from mental stimulation like tech before bed, anxiety, or a big life change? Check out these common reasons for why you’re struggling to fall asleep, and what to do when you can’t get restful sleep.
Reason #1
: It’s Too Hot
While some might think that you want to be warm and cozy at night, it’s actually better to sleep in a cool room around
60 to 67 degrees Fahrenheit
. When you
sleep hot
, it can cause things like night sweats that can disrupt your quality of REM sleep.
Reason #2
: Blue Light Is Waking You Up
It’s tempting to scroll through social media before hitting the hay, but did you know that the
blue light
from your screen might be inhibiting your ability to sleep?
Blue light
blocks a hormone
called melatonin that makes you sleepy, and more than any other color, blue light messes with your body’s ability to prepare for sleep.
Reason #3
: You Can’t Get Comfortable
Some nights, you end up tossing and turning for hours, unable to find the best position for sleeping. If you’re not able to get comfortable, you may want to try getting up for 10 to 15 minutes to give your body time to reset.
Reason #4
. Stress or Anxiety Is Keeping You Up
Stress or anxiety
during the day may cause your mind to race at night. Anxiety before sleep can be caused by too much focus during the day, fear, poor sleep cycles, or rapid thought patterns. It also
causes disrupted sleep
.
Reason #5
: You’re Having Nightmares
Having a nightmare can sometimes
cause anxiety
about falling asleep again and disrupt your sleep pattern. To help you work past the nightmare, try looking into
what your dreams mean
to determine the root cause of the issue.
Reason #6
: You’ve Had a Big Life Change
A big life change like getting married, starting a new job, or moving to a new city can keep you up at night. Try setting aside time before bed to relax and
practice a bedtime routine
to get yourself in the mood for better sleep.
Pre-Bedtime Tips To Help Fall Asleep Quickly
If you’re lying in bed unable to fall asleep, check out these things to do when you can’t sleep.
1. Wait 30 Minutes
If you’ve been trying to fall asleep for a while without luck, you may want to give yourself around half an hour to regroup before trying again, says
Michael Perlis, Ph.D.
, director of the Behavioral Sleep Medicine Program at the University of Pennsylvania.
Try getting out of bed and moving to a new area of your home to do a relaxing activity like journaling, yoga, or reading. By the time you get back to bed, you’ll have the cold side of the pillow to look forward to.
2. Keep the Room Cool
To create a comfortable sleep environment, you’ll want to make sure your room is cool and dark at bedtime. Research has found that the
optimal temperature for sleep
is around
60 to 67 degrees Fahrenheit
(15 to 19 degrees Celsius).
Additionally, you’ll want to make sure there are no bright lights (like a phone screen) that
can disrupt
your REM sleep. If you want to optimize your bedroom for a peaceful transition between day and night, consider getting a
glow light
to lull you into a calm,
deep sleep
.
3. Prioritize Comfort
From your mattress to your pillow, comfort is crucial. If your bed feels like a bed of nails or a marshmallow, it might be time for a change. And remember, cool is cool when it comes to sleep. A cooler room can
help lower
your body temperature and promote better sleep.
4. Control the Light
Ever tried to sleep with the lights on? Not fun, right? Controlling light in your bedroom is essential. Use curtains, blinds, or a sleep mask to block out unwanted light. And don’t forget about those pesky electronic devices. As we mentioned, their blue light can mess with your sleep, so it’s best to say goodnight to them an hour or so before bedtime. More on that later.
5. Switch Up Your Sleeping Position
Whether you’re
sleeping on your stomach
, back, or side, it can be tough to switch from what you’re comfortable with. If you’re struggling to fall asleep, you might want to consider testing out a different sleeping position.
While over
55%
of people sleep on their sides and 38%
sleep on their backs
, only 7% of the population are
stomach sleepers
. While there’s no one-size-fits-all sleeping position, you can set yourself up for success by making sure you have the right
type of pillow
for your sleeping position.
6. Sleep Solo
While it can be tempting to cuddle with your furry friend, a sleep study from the
Mayo Clinic
showed that owners wake up more throughout the night when sleeping with their pets. Instead, try snuggling with your pet up until bedtime, then have them switch to their own
dog bed
so you can catch some peaceful Zs.
7. Do Calming Yoga
If you’re tossing and turning, it may lead to feelings of restlessness. A great way to counteract this is by doing some calming
yoga for sleep
to reset your mind and calm your body.
A recent sleep
study
found that both resistance exercise and stretching before bed led to significant improvements in chronic insomnia patients — and doing yoga before bed doesn’t mean you need to be a human pretzel. A simple five-minute yoga session with low-intensity positions like child’s pose (Balasana) might just be the thing you need to relax and relieve tension so you can doze peacefully.
8. Try Practicing Mindfulness
& Meditation
Mindfulness exercises can help you focus on muscle relaxation and push intruding thoughts from your mind when you can’t fall asleep. Practicing mindfulness has been found to have
health benefits
such as reducing anxiety, helping manage stress, and increasing your ability to relax.
You can practice mindfulness at any time of day, but spending a few minutes before bed can help put you in the mood when you’re tired but can’t sleep. Here are some prompts to help you practice mindfulness:
Focus on your breathing — is it even and slow or quick and irregular?
Turn your attention to your fingers and toes — are they relaxed?
Hone into your hearing — is there white noise or is it silent?
Meditation is not just for monks in the mountains. It’s a powerful tool that can help reduce anxiety and improve sleep. The key is focusing on the present moment and letting go of the day’s worries. It might take a bit of practice, but the payoff is worth it.
9. Relax Your Muscles
If you’re
trying to fall asleep
to no avail, you might want to give muscle relaxation methods a shot. Studies have shown that these physical relaxation techniques can help
improve the quality of your sleep
.
One popular muscle relaxation technique is the military method, which involves lying down on your bed and slowly relaxing the muscles in your body, starting with your face and working down to your toes.
Here’s how to perform the military method when you’re tired but can’t sleep:
Lie down in your bed and release tension from your body.
Start by tensing the muscles in your face then allowing them to relax, and work slowly down your body until you reach your toes.
Once your whole body feels at ease, start to take deep, calming breaths.
Push all thoughts from your head for 10 seconds. If you feel thoughts intruding, try to focus on a simple scenario like a peaceful lake or open prairie.
Allow yourself to lie in bed with your mind, body, and breath in a relaxed state.
Another popular muscle relaxation technique is
progressive muscle relaxation
(PMR). PMR involves gradually tensing and releasing muscles throughout your body in sync with controlled breathing. It’s like giving your body a gentle reminder that it’s time to relax and drift off to dreamland.
10. Go Commando
Yes, you read that right. Sleeping in the nude may actually be beneficial for your health — and according to
people who sleep nude
, most say they do so for comfort. Sleeping naked can help you regulate your body temperature to get closer to that ideal number of 60 to 67 degrees Fahrenheit, and can actually be a
biological cue
to tell your body that it’s time for sleep. So if you wake up in the middle of the night and stay awake, one potential answer to
how to fall back asleep
is to sleep in the nude.
11. Do a Body Scan
A great way to relax your body is by doing a self-body scan. Although a body scan might sound like an intimidating test at a hospital, it’s actually a super easy test you can do from the comfort of your own
sheets
. Like the military method, this type of relaxation technique has been shown to
improve sleep quality
.
To do a body scan, you’ll just want to focus on relaxing one section of your body at a time, until you feel relaxed from head to toe. A body scan is unique because it takes around 10 to 20 minutes, meaning you have ample time to tune in to yourself and slowly relax each muscle.
Here’s how to do a body scan when you can’t sleep:
Lie down in bed.
Starting at the top of your head, focus all your energy on a single part of your body until it feels truly relaxed.
Slowly move down your body, beginning with muscles in the face and neck.
Move down through each arm, and back up through your torso and down your stomach.
Slowly relax each leg, working your way down to your toes.
After approximately 10 to 20 minutes, check in with yourself to see if you notice any lingering tension.
12. Try Journaling
If your mind racing is keeping you up at night, journaling can be a good activity for when you’re tired but can’t sleep. A
study
showed that journaling about your to-do list before bed can help you fall asleep significantly faster. Next time you’re up counting sheep, consider spending five minutes writing down a specific to-do list for the next few days and see if it helps you catch some Zs.
13. Focus On Your Breathing
Ever heard the phrase, “Just breathe”? It’s not just a cliché. If you’re having trouble sleeping at night, you might want to turn inward and try focusing on your breathing. One way to do this is with controlled breathing methods — or a series of slow, deep breaths that can help you feel calm.
Dr. Andrew Weil
, Clinical Professor of Medicine at the University of Arizona, suggests using the 4-7-8 method, which uses your breath to help distract you from sleep anxiety.
Here’s how to practice the 4-7-8 method when you can’t sleep:
Slowly exhale all of your breath until your lungs are completely empty.
Breath in through your nose for four seconds.
Hold your breath for seven seconds.
Exhale for eight seconds.
Repeat this method at least four times.
14. Consider Taking Melatonin
Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone that can help promote feelings of sleepiness. Over-the-counter melatonin sleeping pills are available as a sleep aid for people who have trouble falling (and staying) asleep.
Melatonin is produced in the pineal gland of your brain, which transforms
serotonin into melatonin
based on your internal body clock. When melatonin levels rise in your body, your blood pressure and body temperature can lower, helping put you in the mood for sleep. Different factors can affect how long it takes for melatonin sleeping pills to work, such as your age, caffeine intake, light exposure, body size, and tobacco use.
Whether you prefer to listen to sounds of a calming stream, heavy rainfall, or the air conditioner, soft ambient noises have been shown to
improve sleep quality
and help people fall asleep up to
38% faster
. But sleep medication should be your very last resort, as you may not want to become reliant on it.
15. Put Your Phone Across the Room
Out of all the sleep habits, this is one you should strictly adhere to. Scrolling social media before bed has become a commonplace habit for most of us — in fact,
9 out of 10
Americans actually use technology devices before bed. However, using tech before sleeping has been shown to negatively impact sleep quality and may even lead to sleep deprivation. This is partially because of the blue and bright light emitted by screens, which is designed to keep you feeling awake and alert.
If you’re guilty of grabbing your phone after a few minutes of tossing and turning (no judgment), you might want to consider switching off the screen and placing your phone across the room so it’s harder to reach for at night.
16. Listen to Ambient Noise
Different ambient noises, like white, pink, or brown noise,
can be helpful
to ease sleep troubles. While white noise is often associated with sleep sounds, there are other types of noise that can be great for helping you get a better night’s sleep.
White noise
: White noise encompasses all sound frequencies, creating a humming sound. Examples of white noise include a fan, TV static, air conditioner, or air purifier.
Pink noise
: Pink noise has a deeper sound frequency than white noise. Common pink noise examples include rainfall, wind, and rustling leaves.
Brown noise
: Brown noise is an even deeper frequency than pink or white noise. Brown noise examples include waterfalls and thunder.
Big Picture Tips To Fall Asleep Easily
If you’ve been struggling to fall asleep consistently, you might want to implement these sleep tips throughout your day to set yourself up for a cozy night of disrupted sleep.
17. Practice Sleep Hygiene
Sleep hygiene
refers to good behavioral and environmental habits that can lead to a better night’s sleep. The idea behind sleep hygiene is that, by practicing good sleep habits during the day and at night, you can set yourself up for success and better sleep.
Some easy ways to implement good sleep hygiene include:
Avoid stimulants before bed
: Stimulants like caffeine and alcohol can
negatively impact your sleep quality
and lead to more sleep disturbances during the night.
Reserve your bedroom for sleep and intimacy
: Spending too much time during the day in your bedroom can cause you to associate those other activities with your sleeping space. To prevent this, implement a sleep- and intimacy-only rule in your bedroom.
Optimize your bedroom layout
: To make your bedroom feel like your personal oasis rather than a sleepless night chamber, you’ll want to make sure that your room is optimized for sleep. One of the best ways to do so is to ensure your
mattress is the right size
for your room. For example, a
king size memory foam mattress
would feel too small in a 10-by10 room but would look completely at home in a primary bedroom. As a side note, a
mattress that’s too firm
might be the underlying cause of your sleeplessness. Think of ways to soften it to help you sleep better.
18. Kick the Afternoon Caffeine
Although coffee is typically thought of as a morning beverage, many people grab another cup of joe for an afternoon pick-me-up. However, coffee can stay in your system for
up to 10 hours
— meaning that 2 p.m. caffeine kick might be keeping you up past midnight.
If you’re used to two or more caffeinated beverages each day, consider swapping your typical afternoon drink for a decaf version instead.
19. Exercise Earlier in the Day
Although a nighttime sweat can increase the amount of deep sleep you get, working out
releases endorphins
— the “happy hormone” that can sometimes keep you up. According to
Charlene Gamaldo, M.D.
, medical director of Johns Hopkins Center for Sleep, exercise can also raise your core body temperature, signaling to your body that it’s time to be awake.
To minimize the unintended consequences of a late-night workout, try to end your exercise at least one to two hours before you plan to hit the hay.
20. Limit Your Naps
For nearly
one-third of American adults
, napping is a common activity. But while some
power naps
can help you feel rejuvenated and ready to take on the day, consistent napping may inhibit your natural circadian rhythm and cause you to feel more alert at night.
Studies have shown that quick
five-minute naps
are too short to allow you to recharge, but naps that pass the
30-minute mark
can cause people to feel groggy after waking up. Try to keep your naps in the sweet spot of around 20 minutes, so you wake up feeling refreshed rather than groggy.
21. Create a Better Environment for Good Sleep
Creating a sleep-friendly environment to build good
sleep hygiene
starts from the ground up. Just like you want your workspace to foster creativity and your workout area to get you pumped, you want your sleep space to feel calm, relaxed, and cozy.
Creating an environment that’s conducive to sleep is individual, and can encompass everything from picking the
best bedroom colors for sleep
to putting the right
plants in your bedroom
.
Studies
have shown that optimizing your sleep environment by controlling room temperature, humidity, light, and noise levels can increase your quality of sleep.
22. Follow a Consistent Sleep Schedule
While your
sleep schedule
can sometimes be unpredictable, keeping a general sleep cycle can help you feel more productive and focused and help you develop a fixed sleep pattern. This is because your body runs on a
circadian rhythm
, an internal clock that naturally tells you when to wake up and go to bed.
However, if you’re used to an inconsistent sleep schedule, you should aim to slowly adjust your routine towards a consistent sleep schedule in around 15-minute increments each night.
For example, if you normally go to bed at 2 a.m. and wake up at 10 a.m (hey, we’ve all been there), you should start by sleeping at 1:45 a.m, then 1:30 a.m, and so on, until you reach your desired bedtime.
23. Talk to a Sleep Specialist
If you’re struggling with sleep issues, it might be time to go see a sleep specialist about your sleep problem.
Sleep specialists
are trained to evaluate you to look for deeper conditions like a sleep disorder, and can provide you with more in-depth information that’s specific to your personal needs.
Being tired but unable to sleep is an extremely frustrating situation. While you’re up restless at night, it can feel even more difficult to
wake up
the next morning. Whether it’s a one-time thing or you’re consistently up counting sheep, we hope this guide can help you figure out what to do when you can’t sleep, and give you some tips for how to fall asleep.
Fall Into a Deep Sleep with Casper
In the grand scheme of things, sleep is more than just a fleeting luxury, but an absolute necessity for our overall well-being. So, whether it’s a minor bout of insomnia or a prolonged struggle, remember to take heart! Turn the tables on your sleeplessness by employing these tips and tricks with an open mind. Make your bed a haven of comfort, cultivate mindful habits, and always aim to set the stage for a sound night’s rest. With time and patience, you’ll find that elusive ticket to dreamland and never look back. Trust us, there’s a silver lining in every sleepless night; it’s just a matter of finding what works best for you.
Ready to turn out the lights? Check out our collection of drool-worthy
memory foam mattresses
and buttery soft
bed sheets
for the type of sleep that dreams are made of.
Disclaimer
: This article is for general information only and is not intended to be medical advice. Consult your physician before taking any supplements, beginning any diet or fitness plan, or adopting any treatment for a health problem.
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[Sleep Health](https://casper.com/blogs/article/tagged/sleep-health)
# What To Do When You Can’t Sleep: 23 Researched Tips
Jun 24, 2021
By Casper Editorial Team

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Previous
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Table of Contents
[Toggle](https://casper.com/blogs/article/what-to-do-when-you-cant-sleep#!)
- [What To Do When You Can’t Sleep: 23 Researched Tips](https://casper.com/blogs/article/what-to-do-when-you-cant-sleep#top)
Do you lay in bed for hours but can’t seem to fall asleep? If you’re one of the [68% of Americans](https://www.consumerreports.org/sleep/why-americans-cant-sleep/#:~:text=Today%2C%20the%20problem%20of%20too,struggled%20with%20sleep%20at%20least) who struggle to fall asleep at least once a week, you’ve likely experienced the frustrations of tossing and turning at night to no avail.
Whether you’re in need of a [super-soft pillow](https://casper.com/pillows/) or just need your brain to slow down and relax, lying awake at night can be not only uncomfortable — it can even [affect your mental well-being and performance](https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-hygiene/good-sleep-and-job-performance) the next day.
So what do you do when you can’t sleep? Here are some common culprits that might be keeping you up, along with our tips to help you [fall back asleep](https://casper.com/blogs/article/how-to-fall-back-asleep/).
## **Reasons Why You Can’t Sleep**

If you’re having trouble catching Zs, you might want to think about the root cause of your [poor sleep](https://casper.com/blogs/article/poor-sleep-quality/) struggles. Is it a physical issue, like being uncomfortably warm or having a backache? Or does it stem from mental stimulation like tech before bed, anxiety, or a big life change? Check out these common reasons for why you’re struggling to fall asleep, and what to do when you can’t get restful sleep.
### **Reason \#1**: It’s Too Hot
While some might think that you want to be warm and cozy at night, it’s actually better to sleep in a cool room around [60 to 67 degrees Fahrenheit](https://www.healthline.com/health/sleep/best-temperature-to-sleep). When you [sleep hot](https://casper.com/blogs/article/sleeping-hot/), it can cause things like night sweats that can disrupt your quality of REM sleep.
### **Reason \#2**: Blue Light Is Waking You Up
It’s tempting to scroll through social media before hitting the hay, but did you know that the [blue light](https://casper.com/blogs/article/sleep-and-technology/) from your screen might be inhibiting your ability to sleep?
Blue light [blocks a hormone](https://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/sleep-blue-light) called melatonin that makes you sleepy, and more than any other color, blue light messes with your body’s ability to prepare for sleep.
### **Reason \#3**: You Can’t Get Comfortable
Some nights, you end up tossing and turning for hours, unable to find the best position for sleeping. If you’re not able to get comfortable, you may want to try getting up for 10 to 15 minutes to give your body time to reset.
### **Reason \#4**. Stress or Anxiety Is Keeping You Up
[Stress or anxiety](https://casper.com/blogs/article/sleep-anxiety-guide/) during the day may cause your mind to race at night. Anxiety before sleep can be caused by too much focus during the day, fear, poor sleep cycles, or rapid thought patterns. It also [causes disrupted sleep](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3181635/).
### **Reason \#5**: You’re Having Nightmares
Having a nightmare can sometimes [cause anxiety](https://www.sleepfoundation.org/nightmares) about falling asleep again and disrupt your sleep pattern. To help you work past the nightmare, try looking into [what your dreams mean](https://casper.com/blogs/article/what-do-dreams-mean/) to determine the root cause of the issue.
### **Reason \#6**: You’ve Had a Big Life Change
A big life change like getting married, starting a new job, or moving to a new city can keep you up at night. Try setting aside time before bed to relax and [practice a bedtime routine](https://casper.com/blogs/article/bedtime-routine-for-adults/) to get yourself in the mood for better sleep.
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## **Pre-Bedtime Tips To Help Fall Asleep Quickly**
If you’re lying in bed unable to fall asleep, check out these things to do when you can’t sleep.
### 1\. Wait 30 Minutes
If you’ve been trying to fall asleep for a while without luck, you may want to give yourself around half an hour to regroup before trying again, says [Michael Perlis, Ph.D.](https://www.med.upenn.edu/bsm/faculty_perlis.html), director of the Behavioral Sleep Medicine Program at the University of Pennsylvania.
Try getting out of bed and moving to a new area of your home to do a relaxing activity like journaling, yoga, or reading. By the time you get back to bed, you’ll have the cold side of the pillow to look forward to.
### 2\. Keep the Room Cool
To create a comfortable sleep environment, you’ll want to make sure your room is cool and dark at bedtime. Research has found that the [optimal temperature for sleep](https://casper.com/blogs/article/best-temperature-for-sleep/) is around [60 to 67 degrees Fahrenheit](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31105512/) (15 to 19 degrees Celsius).
Additionally, you’ll want to make sure there are no bright lights (like a phone screen) that [can disrupt](https://thesleepdoctor.com/sleep-environment/light-and-sleep/) your REM sleep. If you want to optimize your bedroom for a peaceful transition between day and night, consider getting a [glow light](https://casper.com/glow-light/buy/) to lull you into a calm, [deep sleep](https://casper.com/blogs/article/how-to-increase-deep-sleep/).
### **3\. Prioritize Comfort**
From your mattress to your pillow, comfort is crucial. If your bed feels like a bed of nails or a marshmallow, it might be time for a change. And remember, cool is cool when it comes to sleep. A cooler room can [help lower](https://www.sleepadvisor.org/sleeping-in-a-cold-room/) your body temperature and promote better sleep.
### **4\. Control the Light**
Ever tried to sleep with the lights on? Not fun, right? Controlling light in your bedroom is essential. Use curtains, blinds, or a sleep mask to block out unwanted light. And don’t forget about those pesky electronic devices. As we mentioned, their blue light can mess with your sleep, so it’s best to say goodnight to them an hour or so before bedtime. More on that later.
### 5\. Switch Up Your Sleeping Position

Whether you’re [sleeping on your stomach](https://casper.com/blogs/article/stomach-sleeper/), back, or side, it can be tough to switch from what you’re comfortable with. If you’re struggling to fall asleep, you might want to consider testing out a different sleeping position.
While over [55%](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29138608/) of people sleep on their sides and 38% [sleep on their backs](https://casper.com/blogs/article/how-to-sleep-on-your-back/), only 7% of the population are [stomach sleepers](https://casper.com/blogs/article/stomach-sleeper/). While there’s no one-size-fits-all sleeping position, you can set yourself up for success by making sure you have the right [type of pillow](https://casper.com/blogs/article/different-types-of-pillows/) for your sleeping position.
### 6\. Sleep Solo
While it can be tempting to cuddle with your furry friend, a sleep study from the [Mayo Clinic](https://www.mayoclinicproceedings.org/article/S0025-6196\(17\)30486-X/fulltext) showed that owners wake up more throughout the night when sleeping with their pets. Instead, try snuggling with your pet up until bedtime, then have them switch to their own [dog bed](https://casper.com/dog-beds/) so you can catch some peaceful Zs.
### 7\. Do Calming Yoga
If you’re tossing and turning, it may lead to feelings of restlessness. A great way to counteract this is by doing some calming [yoga for sleep](https://casper.com/learn/yoga-for-sleep/) to reset your mind and calm your body.
A recent sleep [study](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6781703/) found that both resistance exercise and stretching before bed led to significant improvements in chronic insomnia patients — and doing yoga before bed doesn’t mean you need to be a human pretzel. A simple five-minute yoga session with low-intensity positions like child’s pose (Balasana) might just be the thing you need to relax and relieve tension so you can doze peacefully.
### 8\. Try Practicing Mindfulness **& Meditation**
Mindfulness exercises can help you focus on muscle relaxation and push intruding thoughts from your mind when you can’t fall asleep. Practicing mindfulness has been found to have [health benefits](https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2012/01/mindfulness-matters) such as reducing anxiety, helping manage stress, and increasing your ability to relax.
You can practice mindfulness at any time of day, but spending a few minutes before bed can help put you in the mood when you’re tired but can’t sleep. Here are some prompts to help you practice mindfulness:
1. Focus on your breathing — is it even and slow or quick and irregular?
2. Turn your attention to your fingers and toes — are they relaxed?
3. Hone into your hearing — is there white noise or is it silent?
Meditation is not just for monks in the mountains. It’s a powerful tool that can help reduce anxiety and improve sleep. The key is focusing on the present moment and letting go of the day’s worries. It might take a bit of practice, but the payoff is worth it.
### 9\. Relax Your Muscles
If you’re [trying to fall asleep](https://casper.com/blogs/article/how-to-fall-asleep-fast/) to no avail, you might want to give muscle relaxation methods a shot. Studies have shown that these physical relaxation techniques can help [improve the quality of your sleep](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279320/).
One popular muscle relaxation technique is the military method, which involves lying down on your bed and slowly relaxing the muscles in your body, starting with your face and working down to your toes.
Here’s how to perform the military method when you’re tired but can’t sleep:
1. Lie down in your bed and release tension from your body.
2. Start by tensing the muscles in your face then allowing them to relax, and work slowly down your body until you reach your toes.
3. Once your whole body feels at ease, start to take deep, calming breaths.
4. Push all thoughts from your head for 10 seconds. If you feel thoughts intruding, try to focus on a simple scenario like a peaceful lake or open prairie.
5. Allow yourself to lie in bed with your mind, body, and breath in a relaxed state.
Another popular muscle relaxation technique is [progressive muscle relaxation](https://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/muscle-relaxation-for-stress-insomnia) (PMR). PMR involves gradually tensing and releasing muscles throughout your body in sync with controlled breathing. It’s like giving your body a gentle reminder that it’s time to relax and drift off to dreamland.
### 10\. Go Commando

Yes, you read that right. Sleeping in the nude may actually be beneficial for your health — and according to [people who sleep nude](https://casper.com/blogs/article/benefits-of-sleeping-naked/), most say they do so for comfort. Sleeping naked can help you regulate your body temperature to get closer to that ideal number of 60 to 67 degrees Fahrenheit, and can actually be a [biological cue](https://sleep.org/articles/does-your-body-temperature-change-while-you-sleep/) to tell your body that it’s time for sleep. So if you wake up in the middle of the night and stay awake, one potential answer to [how to fall back asleep](https://casper.com/blogs/article/how-to-fall-back-asleep/) is to sleep in the nude.
### 11\. Do a Body Scan
A great way to relax your body is by doing a self-body scan. Although a body scan might sound like an intimidating test at a hospital, it’s actually a super easy test you can do from the comfort of your own [sheets](https://casper.com/bedding/sheets/). Like the military method, this type of relaxation technique has been shown to [improve sleep quality](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279320/).
To do a body scan, you’ll just want to focus on relaxing one section of your body at a time, until you feel relaxed from head to toe. A body scan is unique because it takes around 10 to 20 minutes, meaning you have ample time to tune in to yourself and slowly relax each muscle.
Here’s how to do a body scan when you can’t sleep:
1. Lie down in bed.
2. Starting at the top of your head, focus all your energy on a single part of your body until it feels truly relaxed.
3. Slowly move down your body, beginning with muscles in the face and neck.
4. Move down through each arm, and back up through your torso and down your stomach.
5. Slowly relax each leg, working your way down to your toes.
6. After approximately 10 to 20 minutes, check in with yourself to see if you notice any lingering tension.
### 12\. Try Journaling
If your mind racing is keeping you up at night, journaling can be a good activity for when you’re tired but can’t sleep. A [study](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5758411/) showed that journaling about your to-do list before bed can help you fall asleep significantly faster. Next time you’re up counting sheep, consider spending five minutes writing down a specific to-do list for the next few days and see if it helps you catch some Zs.
### 13\. Focus On Your Breathing
Ever heard the phrase, “Just breathe”? It’s not just a cliché. If you’re having trouble sleeping at night, you might want to turn inward and try focusing on your breathing. One way to do this is with controlled breathing methods — or a series of slow, deep breaths that can help you feel calm. [Dr. Andrew Weil](https://www.drweil.com/videos-features/videos/breathing-exercises-4-7-8-breath/), Clinical Professor of Medicine at the University of Arizona, suggests using the 4-7-8 method, which uses your breath to help distract you from sleep anxiety.
Here’s how to practice the 4-7-8 method when you can’t sleep:
1. Slowly exhale all of your breath until your lungs are completely empty.
2. Breath in through your nose for four seconds.
3. Hold your breath for seven seconds.
4. Exhale for eight seconds.
5. Repeat this method at least four times.
### 14\. Consider Taking Melatonin
Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone that can help promote feelings of sleepiness. Over-the-counter melatonin sleeping pills are available as a sleep aid for people who have trouble falling (and staying) asleep.
Melatonin is produced in the pineal gland of your brain, which transforms [serotonin into melatonin](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5405617/#:~:text=Melatonin%20is%20mainly%20synthesized%20by,-hydroxytryptophan%20decarboxylase\)%20in%20serotonin.) based on your internal body clock. When melatonin levels rise in your body, your blood pressure and body temperature can lower, helping put you in the mood for sleep. Different factors can affect how long it takes for melatonin sleeping pills to work, such as your age, caffeine intake, light exposure, body size, and tobacco use.
Whether you prefer to listen to sounds of a calming stream, heavy rainfall, or the air conditioner, soft ambient noises have been shown to [improve sleep quality](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27354974) and help people fall asleep up to [38% faster](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29312136). But sleep medication should be your very last resort, as you may not want to become reliant on it.
### 15\. Put Your Phone Across the Room
Out of all the sleep habits, this is one you should strictly adhere to. Scrolling social media before bed has become a commonplace habit for most of us — in fact, [9 out of 10](https://jcsm.aasm.org/doi/full/10.5664/jcsm.3272) Americans actually use technology devices before bed. However, using tech before sleeping has been shown to negatively impact sleep quality and may even lead to sleep deprivation. This is partially because of the blue and bright light emitted by screens, which is designed to keep you feeling awake and alert.
If you’re guilty of grabbing your phone after a few minutes of tossing and turning (no judgment), you might want to consider switching off the screen and placing your phone across the room so it’s harder to reach for at night.
### 16\. Listen to Ambient Noise

Different ambient noises, like white, pink, or brown noise, [can be helpful](https://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/pink-noise-sleep) to ease sleep troubles. While white noise is often associated with sleep sounds, there are other types of noise that can be great for helping you get a better night’s sleep.
- **White noise**: White noise encompasses all sound frequencies, creating a humming sound. Examples of white noise include a fan, TV static, air conditioner, or air purifier.
- **Pink noise**: Pink noise has a deeper sound frequency than white noise. Common pink noise examples include rainfall, wind, and rustling leaves.
- **Brown noise**: Brown noise is an even deeper frequency than pink or white noise. Brown noise examples include waterfalls and thunder.
## **Big Picture Tips To Fall Asleep Easily**
If you’ve been struggling to fall asleep consistently, you might want to implement these sleep tips throughout your day to set yourself up for a cozy night of disrupted sleep.
### 17\. Practice Sleep Hygiene
[Sleep hygiene](https://casper.com/blogs/article/what-is-sleep-hygiene/) refers to good behavioral and environmental habits that can lead to a better night’s sleep. The idea behind sleep hygiene is that, by practicing good sleep habits during the day and at night, you can set yourself up for success and better sleep.
Some easy ways to implement good sleep hygiene include:
- **Avoid stimulants before bed**: Stimulants like caffeine and alcohol can [negatively impact your sleep quality](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4666864/) and lead to more sleep disturbances during the night.
- **Reserve your bedroom for sleep and intimacy**: Spending too much time during the day in your bedroom can cause you to associate those other activities with your sleeping space. To prevent this, implement a sleep- and intimacy-only rule in your bedroom.
- **Optimize your bedroom layout**: To make your bedroom feel like your personal oasis rather than a sleepless night chamber, you’ll want to make sure that your room is optimized for sleep. One of the best ways to do so is to ensure your [mattress is the right size](https://casper.com/mattress-size-comparison-guide/) for your room. For example, a [king size memory foam mattress](https://casper.com/mattresses/king/) would feel too small in a 10-by10 room but would look completely at home in a primary bedroom. As a side note, a [mattress that’s too firm](https://casper.com/blogs/article/how-to-make-a-mattress-softer/) might be the underlying cause of your sleeplessness. Think of ways to soften it to help you sleep better.
### 18\. Kick the Afternoon Caffeine
Although coffee is typically thought of as a morning beverage, many people grab another cup of joe for an afternoon pick-me-up. However, coffee can stay in your system for [up to 10 hours](http://casper.com/blog/why-does-coffee-make-me-sleepy/) — meaning that 2 p.m. caffeine kick might be keeping you up past midnight.
If you’re used to two or more caffeinated beverages each day, consider swapping your typical afternoon drink for a decaf version instead.
### 19\. Exercise Earlier in the Day
Although a nighttime sweat can increase the amount of deep sleep you get, working out [releases endorphins](https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/exercising-for-better-sleep) — the “happy hormone” that can sometimes keep you up. According to [Charlene Gamaldo, M.D.](http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/profiles/results/directory/profile/0019244/charlene-gamaldo), medical director of Johns Hopkins Center for Sleep, exercise can also raise your core body temperature, signaling to your body that it’s time to be awake.
To minimize the unintended consequences of a late-night workout, try to end your exercise at least one to two hours before you plan to hit the hay.
### 20\. Limit Your Naps
For nearly [one-third of American adults](https://www.pewsocialtrends.org/2009/07/29/nap-time/), napping is a common activity. But while some [power naps](https://casper.com/blogs/article/power-nap/) can help you feel rejuvenated and ready to take on the day, consistent napping may inhibit your natural circadian rhythm and cause you to feel more alert at night.
Studies have shown that quick [five-minute naps](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16796222/) are too short to allow you to recharge, but naps that pass the [30-minute mark](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26715234/) can cause people to feel groggy after waking up. Try to keep your naps in the sweet spot of around 20 minutes, so you wake up feeling refreshed rather than groggy.
### 21\. Create a Better Environment for Good Sleep

Creating a sleep-friendly environment to build good [sleep hygiene](https://casper.com/blogs/article/what-is-sleep-hygiene/) starts from the ground up. Just like you want your workspace to foster creativity and your workout area to get you pumped, you want your sleep space to feel calm, relaxed, and cozy.
Creating an environment that’s conducive to sleep is individual, and can encompass everything from picking the [best bedroom colors for sleep](https://casper.com/blogs/article/the-10-best-worst-bedroom-colors-for-sleep/) to putting the right [plants in your bedroom](https://casper.com/blogs/article/plants-in-the-bedroom/).
[Studies](https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1420326X09358031) have shown that optimizing your sleep environment by controlling room temperature, humidity, light, and noise levels can increase your quality of sleep.
### 22\. Follow a Consistent Sleep Schedule
While your [sleep schedule](https://casper.com/blogs/article/fix-sleep-schedule/) can sometimes be unpredictable, keeping a general sleep cycle can help you feel more productive and focused and help you develop a fixed sleep pattern. This is because your body runs on a [circadian rhythm](https://www.nigms.nih.gov/Education/Pages/Factsheet_CircadianRhythms.aspx), an internal clock that naturally tells you when to wake up and go to bed.
However, if you’re used to an inconsistent sleep schedule, you should aim to slowly adjust your routine towards a consistent sleep schedule in around 15-minute increments each night.
For example, if you normally go to bed at 2 a.m. and wake up at 10 a.m (hey, we’ve all been there), you should start by sleeping at 1:45 a.m, then 1:30 a.m, and so on, until you reach your desired bedtime.
### 23\. Talk to a Sleep Specialist
If you’re struggling with sleep issues, it might be time to go see a sleep specialist about your sleep problem. [Sleep specialists](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6732697/) are trained to evaluate you to look for deeper conditions like a sleep disorder, and can provide you with more in-depth information that’s specific to your personal needs.
Being tired but unable to sleep is an extremely frustrating situation. While you’re up restless at night, it can feel even more difficult to [wake up](https://casper.com/blogs/article/wake-yourself-up/) the next morning. Whether it’s a one-time thing or you’re consistently up counting sheep, we hope this guide can help you figure out what to do when you can’t sleep, and give you some tips for how to fall asleep.
## **Fall Into a Deep Sleep with Casper**
In the grand scheme of things, sleep is more than just a fleeting luxury, but an absolute necessity for our overall well-being. So, whether it’s a minor bout of insomnia or a prolonged struggle, remember to take heart! Turn the tables on your sleeplessness by employing these tips and tricks with an open mind. Make your bed a haven of comfort, cultivate mindful habits, and always aim to set the stage for a sound night’s rest. With time and patience, you’ll find that elusive ticket to dreamland and never look back. Trust us, there’s a silver lining in every sleepless night; it’s just a matter of finding what works best for you.
Ready to turn out the lights? Check out our collection of drool-worthy [memory foam mattresses](https://casper.com/mattresses/) and buttery soft [bed sheets](https://casper.com/bedding/sheets/) for the type of sleep that dreams are made of.
**Disclaimer**: This article is for general information only and is not intended to be medical advice. Consult your physician before taking any supplements, beginning any diet or fitness plan, or adopting any treatment for a health problem.
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**Reviewed by:** Jonathan Eilenberg
[Jonathan Eilenberg](https://casper.com/pages/jonathan-eilenberg-expert-reviewer) is a Certified Professional Ergonomist (CPE) with a degree in Design and Environmental Analysis from Cornell University, specializing in Human Factors and Ergonomics. His expertise in biomechanics and ergonomics has significantly contributed to improving workplace productivity and comfort. With over six years in occupational injury prevention, Jonathan now applies his knowledge at Casper, developing bio-mechanically supportive mattresses, emphasizing proper sleep posture to enhance comfort and recovery. His work integrates ergonomic principles into everyday life, aiming to improve physical well-being through thoughtful design.
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What is Comp. Value?

### What is Comp. Value?
Our Comparable Value prices reflect the price at which we or third parties have offered this item or a comparable item.
### How does Casper create the best value products for their sleepers?
##### Everything must help sleep and must be tested.
Our team regularly searches the market and tests comparable mattress and sleep products to ensure that ours offer top-quality materials, the most value for your dollar, and the best sleep experience on the market.
##### Every Casper mattress is designed and assembled in the USA.
As part of the Carpenter Co family, Casper mattresses are manufactured by the largest foam manufacturer in the world—no middle man, no markups, just the best prices for our sleepers.
##### We don’t rely on gimmicks—just 12+ years of expertise.
With 12+ years in the mattress and bedding industry, the Casper team knows what makes a great night’s rest and what’s just fluff. Our mattresses and bedding are obsessively-engineered and precisely-layered to help you get your deepest sleep ever.
##### We don’t sleep on getting you the best possible deal.
The Comp. Value shown for Casper products is never set it and forget it. Our team conducts thorough market research every quarter to ensure our comparable value is always accurate to the bedding market and the three most comparable products, so you never have to worry about missing out on savings.
 |
| Readable Markdown | - [What To Do When You Can’t Sleep: 23 Researched Tips](https://casper.com/blogs/article/what-to-do-when-you-cant-sleep#top)
Do you lay in bed for hours but can’t seem to fall asleep? If you’re one of the [68% of Americans](https://www.consumerreports.org/sleep/why-americans-cant-sleep/#:~:text=Today%2C%20the%20problem%20of%20too,struggled%20with%20sleep%20at%20least) who struggle to fall asleep at least once a week, you’ve likely experienced the frustrations of tossing and turning at night to no avail.
Whether you’re in need of a [super-soft pillow](https://casper.com/pillows/) or just need your brain to slow down and relax, lying awake at night can be not only uncomfortable — it can even [affect your mental well-being and performance](https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-hygiene/good-sleep-and-job-performance) the next day.
So what do you do when you can’t sleep? Here are some common culprits that might be keeping you up, along with our tips to help you [fall back asleep](https://casper.com/blogs/article/how-to-fall-back-asleep/).
## **Reasons Why You Can’t Sleep**

If you’re having trouble catching Zs, you might want to think about the root cause of your [poor sleep](https://casper.com/blogs/article/poor-sleep-quality/) struggles. Is it a physical issue, like being uncomfortably warm or having a backache? Or does it stem from mental stimulation like tech before bed, anxiety, or a big life change? Check out these common reasons for why you’re struggling to fall asleep, and what to do when you can’t get restful sleep.
### **Reason \#1**: It’s Too Hot
While some might think that you want to be warm and cozy at night, it’s actually better to sleep in a cool room around [60 to 67 degrees Fahrenheit](https://www.healthline.com/health/sleep/best-temperature-to-sleep). When you [sleep hot](https://casper.com/blogs/article/sleeping-hot/), it can cause things like night sweats that can disrupt your quality of REM sleep.
### **Reason \#2**: Blue Light Is Waking You Up
It’s tempting to scroll through social media before hitting the hay, but did you know that the [blue light](https://casper.com/blogs/article/sleep-and-technology/) from your screen might be inhibiting your ability to sleep?
Blue light [blocks a hormone](https://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/sleep-blue-light) called melatonin that makes you sleepy, and more than any other color, blue light messes with your body’s ability to prepare for sleep.
### **Reason \#3**: You Can’t Get Comfortable
Some nights, you end up tossing and turning for hours, unable to find the best position for sleeping. If you’re not able to get comfortable, you may want to try getting up for 10 to 15 minutes to give your body time to reset.
### **Reason \#4**. Stress or Anxiety Is Keeping You Up
[Stress or anxiety](https://casper.com/blogs/article/sleep-anxiety-guide/) during the day may cause your mind to race at night. Anxiety before sleep can be caused by too much focus during the day, fear, poor sleep cycles, or rapid thought patterns. It also [causes disrupted sleep](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3181635/).
### **Reason \#5**: You’re Having Nightmares
Having a nightmare can sometimes [cause anxiety](https://www.sleepfoundation.org/nightmares) about falling asleep again and disrupt your sleep pattern. To help you work past the nightmare, try looking into [what your dreams mean](https://casper.com/blogs/article/what-do-dreams-mean/) to determine the root cause of the issue.
### **Reason \#6**: You’ve Had a Big Life Change
A big life change like getting married, starting a new job, or moving to a new city can keep you up at night. Try setting aside time before bed to relax and [practice a bedtime routine](https://casper.com/blogs/article/bedtime-routine-for-adults/) to get yourself in the mood for better sleep.
## **Pre-Bedtime Tips To Help Fall Asleep Quickly**
If you’re lying in bed unable to fall asleep, check out these things to do when you can’t sleep.
### 1\. Wait 30 Minutes
If you’ve been trying to fall asleep for a while without luck, you may want to give yourself around half an hour to regroup before trying again, says [Michael Perlis, Ph.D.](https://www.med.upenn.edu/bsm/faculty_perlis.html), director of the Behavioral Sleep Medicine Program at the University of Pennsylvania.
Try getting out of bed and moving to a new area of your home to do a relaxing activity like journaling, yoga, or reading. By the time you get back to bed, you’ll have the cold side of the pillow to look forward to.
### 2\. Keep the Room Cool
To create a comfortable sleep environment, you’ll want to make sure your room is cool and dark at bedtime. Research has found that the [optimal temperature for sleep](https://casper.com/blogs/article/best-temperature-for-sleep/) is around [60 to 67 degrees Fahrenheit](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31105512/) (15 to 19 degrees Celsius).
Additionally, you’ll want to make sure there are no bright lights (like a phone screen) that [can disrupt](https://thesleepdoctor.com/sleep-environment/light-and-sleep/) your REM sleep. If you want to optimize your bedroom for a peaceful transition between day and night, consider getting a [glow light](https://casper.com/glow-light/buy/) to lull you into a calm, [deep sleep](https://casper.com/blogs/article/how-to-increase-deep-sleep/).
### **3\. Prioritize Comfort**
From your mattress to your pillow, comfort is crucial. If your bed feels like a bed of nails or a marshmallow, it might be time for a change. And remember, cool is cool when it comes to sleep. A cooler room can [help lower](https://www.sleepadvisor.org/sleeping-in-a-cold-room/) your body temperature and promote better sleep.
### **4\. Control the Light**
Ever tried to sleep with the lights on? Not fun, right? Controlling light in your bedroom is essential. Use curtains, blinds, or a sleep mask to block out unwanted light. And don’t forget about those pesky electronic devices. As we mentioned, their blue light can mess with your sleep, so it’s best to say goodnight to them an hour or so before bedtime. More on that later.
### 5\. Switch Up Your Sleeping Position

Whether you’re [sleeping on your stomach](https://casper.com/blogs/article/stomach-sleeper/), back, or side, it can be tough to switch from what you’re comfortable with. If you’re struggling to fall asleep, you might want to consider testing out a different sleeping position.
While over [55%](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29138608/) of people sleep on their sides and 38% [sleep on their backs](https://casper.com/blogs/article/how-to-sleep-on-your-back/), only 7% of the population are [stomach sleepers](https://casper.com/blogs/article/stomach-sleeper/). While there’s no one-size-fits-all sleeping position, you can set yourself up for success by making sure you have the right [type of pillow](https://casper.com/blogs/article/different-types-of-pillows/) for your sleeping position.
### 6\. Sleep Solo
While it can be tempting to cuddle with your furry friend, a sleep study from the [Mayo Clinic](https://www.mayoclinicproceedings.org/article/S0025-6196\(17\)30486-X/fulltext) showed that owners wake up more throughout the night when sleeping with their pets. Instead, try snuggling with your pet up until bedtime, then have them switch to their own [dog bed](https://casper.com/dog-beds/) so you can catch some peaceful Zs.
### 7\. Do Calming Yoga
If you’re tossing and turning, it may lead to feelings of restlessness. A great way to counteract this is by doing some calming [yoga for sleep](https://casper.com/learn/yoga-for-sleep/) to reset your mind and calm your body.
A recent sleep [study](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6781703/) found that both resistance exercise and stretching before bed led to significant improvements in chronic insomnia patients — and doing yoga before bed doesn’t mean you need to be a human pretzel. A simple five-minute yoga session with low-intensity positions like child’s pose (Balasana) might just be the thing you need to relax and relieve tension so you can doze peacefully.
### 8\. Try Practicing Mindfulness **& Meditation**
Mindfulness exercises can help you focus on muscle relaxation and push intruding thoughts from your mind when you can’t fall asleep. Practicing mindfulness has been found to have [health benefits](https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2012/01/mindfulness-matters) such as reducing anxiety, helping manage stress, and increasing your ability to relax.
You can practice mindfulness at any time of day, but spending a few minutes before bed can help put you in the mood when you’re tired but can’t sleep. Here are some prompts to help you practice mindfulness:
1. Focus on your breathing — is it even and slow or quick and irregular?
2. Turn your attention to your fingers and toes — are they relaxed?
3. Hone into your hearing — is there white noise or is it silent?
Meditation is not just for monks in the mountains. It’s a powerful tool that can help reduce anxiety and improve sleep. The key is focusing on the present moment and letting go of the day’s worries. It might take a bit of practice, but the payoff is worth it.
### 9\. Relax Your Muscles
If you’re [trying to fall asleep](https://casper.com/blogs/article/how-to-fall-asleep-fast/) to no avail, you might want to give muscle relaxation methods a shot. Studies have shown that these physical relaxation techniques can help [improve the quality of your sleep](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279320/).
One popular muscle relaxation technique is the military method, which involves lying down on your bed and slowly relaxing the muscles in your body, starting with your face and working down to your toes.
Here’s how to perform the military method when you’re tired but can’t sleep:
1. Lie down in your bed and release tension from your body.
2. Start by tensing the muscles in your face then allowing them to relax, and work slowly down your body until you reach your toes.
3. Once your whole body feels at ease, start to take deep, calming breaths.
4. Push all thoughts from your head for 10 seconds. If you feel thoughts intruding, try to focus on a simple scenario like a peaceful lake or open prairie.
5. Allow yourself to lie in bed with your mind, body, and breath in a relaxed state.
Another popular muscle relaxation technique is [progressive muscle relaxation](https://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/muscle-relaxation-for-stress-insomnia) (PMR). PMR involves gradually tensing and releasing muscles throughout your body in sync with controlled breathing. It’s like giving your body a gentle reminder that it’s time to relax and drift off to dreamland.
### 10\. Go Commando

Yes, you read that right. Sleeping in the nude may actually be beneficial for your health — and according to [people who sleep nude](https://casper.com/blogs/article/benefits-of-sleeping-naked/), most say they do so for comfort. Sleeping naked can help you regulate your body temperature to get closer to that ideal number of 60 to 67 degrees Fahrenheit, and can actually be a [biological cue](https://sleep.org/articles/does-your-body-temperature-change-while-you-sleep/) to tell your body that it’s time for sleep. So if you wake up in the middle of the night and stay awake, one potential answer to [how to fall back asleep](https://casper.com/blogs/article/how-to-fall-back-asleep/) is to sleep in the nude.
### 11\. Do a Body Scan
A great way to relax your body is by doing a self-body scan. Although a body scan might sound like an intimidating test at a hospital, it’s actually a super easy test you can do from the comfort of your own [sheets](https://casper.com/bedding/sheets/). Like the military method, this type of relaxation technique has been shown to [improve sleep quality](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279320/).
To do a body scan, you’ll just want to focus on relaxing one section of your body at a time, until you feel relaxed from head to toe. A body scan is unique because it takes around 10 to 20 minutes, meaning you have ample time to tune in to yourself and slowly relax each muscle.
Here’s how to do a body scan when you can’t sleep:
1. Lie down in bed.
2. Starting at the top of your head, focus all your energy on a single part of your body until it feels truly relaxed.
3. Slowly move down your body, beginning with muscles in the face and neck.
4. Move down through each arm, and back up through your torso and down your stomach.
5. Slowly relax each leg, working your way down to your toes.
6. After approximately 10 to 20 minutes, check in with yourself to see if you notice any lingering tension.
### 12\. Try Journaling
If your mind racing is keeping you up at night, journaling can be a good activity for when you’re tired but can’t sleep. A [study](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5758411/) showed that journaling about your to-do list before bed can help you fall asleep significantly faster. Next time you’re up counting sheep, consider spending five minutes writing down a specific to-do list for the next few days and see if it helps you catch some Zs.
### 13\. Focus On Your Breathing
Ever heard the phrase, “Just breathe”? It’s not just a cliché. If you’re having trouble sleeping at night, you might want to turn inward and try focusing on your breathing. One way to do this is with controlled breathing methods — or a series of slow, deep breaths that can help you feel calm. [Dr. Andrew Weil](https://www.drweil.com/videos-features/videos/breathing-exercises-4-7-8-breath/), Clinical Professor of Medicine at the University of Arizona, suggests using the 4-7-8 method, which uses your breath to help distract you from sleep anxiety.
Here’s how to practice the 4-7-8 method when you can’t sleep:
1. Slowly exhale all of your breath until your lungs are completely empty.
2. Breath in through your nose for four seconds.
3. Hold your breath for seven seconds.
4. Exhale for eight seconds.
5. Repeat this method at least four times.
### 14\. Consider Taking Melatonin
Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone that can help promote feelings of sleepiness. Over-the-counter melatonin sleeping pills are available as a sleep aid for people who have trouble falling (and staying) asleep.
Melatonin is produced in the pineal gland of your brain, which transforms [serotonin into melatonin](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5405617/#:~:text=Melatonin%20is%20mainly%20synthesized%20by,-hydroxytryptophan%20decarboxylase\)%20in%20serotonin.) based on your internal body clock. When melatonin levels rise in your body, your blood pressure and body temperature can lower, helping put you in the mood for sleep. Different factors can affect how long it takes for melatonin sleeping pills to work, such as your age, caffeine intake, light exposure, body size, and tobacco use.
Whether you prefer to listen to sounds of a calming stream, heavy rainfall, or the air conditioner, soft ambient noises have been shown to [improve sleep quality](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27354974) and help people fall asleep up to [38% faster](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29312136). But sleep medication should be your very last resort, as you may not want to become reliant on it.
### 15\. Put Your Phone Across the Room
Out of all the sleep habits, this is one you should strictly adhere to. Scrolling social media before bed has become a commonplace habit for most of us — in fact, [9 out of 10](https://jcsm.aasm.org/doi/full/10.5664/jcsm.3272) Americans actually use technology devices before bed. However, using tech before sleeping has been shown to negatively impact sleep quality and may even lead to sleep deprivation. This is partially because of the blue and bright light emitted by screens, which is designed to keep you feeling awake and alert.
If you’re guilty of grabbing your phone after a few minutes of tossing and turning (no judgment), you might want to consider switching off the screen and placing your phone across the room so it’s harder to reach for at night.
### 16\. Listen to Ambient Noise

Different ambient noises, like white, pink, or brown noise, [can be helpful](https://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/pink-noise-sleep) to ease sleep troubles. While white noise is often associated with sleep sounds, there are other types of noise that can be great for helping you get a better night’s sleep.
- **White noise**: White noise encompasses all sound frequencies, creating a humming sound. Examples of white noise include a fan, TV static, air conditioner, or air purifier.
- **Pink noise**: Pink noise has a deeper sound frequency than white noise. Common pink noise examples include rainfall, wind, and rustling leaves.
- **Brown noise**: Brown noise is an even deeper frequency than pink or white noise. Brown noise examples include waterfalls and thunder.
## **Big Picture Tips To Fall Asleep Easily**
If you’ve been struggling to fall asleep consistently, you might want to implement these sleep tips throughout your day to set yourself up for a cozy night of disrupted sleep.
### 17\. Practice Sleep Hygiene
[Sleep hygiene](https://casper.com/blogs/article/what-is-sleep-hygiene/) refers to good behavioral and environmental habits that can lead to a better night’s sleep. The idea behind sleep hygiene is that, by practicing good sleep habits during the day and at night, you can set yourself up for success and better sleep.
Some easy ways to implement good sleep hygiene include:
- **Avoid stimulants before bed**: Stimulants like caffeine and alcohol can [negatively impact your sleep quality](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4666864/) and lead to more sleep disturbances during the night.
- **Reserve your bedroom for sleep and intimacy**: Spending too much time during the day in your bedroom can cause you to associate those other activities with your sleeping space. To prevent this, implement a sleep- and intimacy-only rule in your bedroom.
- **Optimize your bedroom layout**: To make your bedroom feel like your personal oasis rather than a sleepless night chamber, you’ll want to make sure that your room is optimized for sleep. One of the best ways to do so is to ensure your [mattress is the right size](https://casper.com/mattress-size-comparison-guide/) for your room. For example, a [king size memory foam mattress](https://casper.com/mattresses/king/) would feel too small in a 10-by10 room but would look completely at home in a primary bedroom. As a side note, a [mattress that’s too firm](https://casper.com/blogs/article/how-to-make-a-mattress-softer/) might be the underlying cause of your sleeplessness. Think of ways to soften it to help you sleep better.
### 18\. Kick the Afternoon Caffeine
Although coffee is typically thought of as a morning beverage, many people grab another cup of joe for an afternoon pick-me-up. However, coffee can stay in your system for [up to 10 hours](http://casper.com/blog/why-does-coffee-make-me-sleepy/) — meaning that 2 p.m. caffeine kick might be keeping you up past midnight.
If you’re used to two or more caffeinated beverages each day, consider swapping your typical afternoon drink for a decaf version instead.
### 19\. Exercise Earlier in the Day
Although a nighttime sweat can increase the amount of deep sleep you get, working out [releases endorphins](https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/exercising-for-better-sleep) — the “happy hormone” that can sometimes keep you up. According to [Charlene Gamaldo, M.D.](http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/profiles/results/directory/profile/0019244/charlene-gamaldo), medical director of Johns Hopkins Center for Sleep, exercise can also raise your core body temperature, signaling to your body that it’s time to be awake.
To minimize the unintended consequences of a late-night workout, try to end your exercise at least one to two hours before you plan to hit the hay.
### 20\. Limit Your Naps
For nearly [one-third of American adults](https://www.pewsocialtrends.org/2009/07/29/nap-time/), napping is a common activity. But while some [power naps](https://casper.com/blogs/article/power-nap/) can help you feel rejuvenated and ready to take on the day, consistent napping may inhibit your natural circadian rhythm and cause you to feel more alert at night.
Studies have shown that quick [five-minute naps](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16796222/) are too short to allow you to recharge, but naps that pass the [30-minute mark](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26715234/) can cause people to feel groggy after waking up. Try to keep your naps in the sweet spot of around 20 minutes, so you wake up feeling refreshed rather than groggy.
### 21\. Create a Better Environment for Good Sleep

Creating a sleep-friendly environment to build good [sleep hygiene](https://casper.com/blogs/article/what-is-sleep-hygiene/) starts from the ground up. Just like you want your workspace to foster creativity and your workout area to get you pumped, you want your sleep space to feel calm, relaxed, and cozy.
Creating an environment that’s conducive to sleep is individual, and can encompass everything from picking the [best bedroom colors for sleep](https://casper.com/blogs/article/the-10-best-worst-bedroom-colors-for-sleep/) to putting the right [plants in your bedroom](https://casper.com/blogs/article/plants-in-the-bedroom/).
[Studies](https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1420326X09358031) have shown that optimizing your sleep environment by controlling room temperature, humidity, light, and noise levels can increase your quality of sleep.
### 22\. Follow a Consistent Sleep Schedule
While your [sleep schedule](https://casper.com/blogs/article/fix-sleep-schedule/) can sometimes be unpredictable, keeping a general sleep cycle can help you feel more productive and focused and help you develop a fixed sleep pattern. This is because your body runs on a [circadian rhythm](https://www.nigms.nih.gov/Education/Pages/Factsheet_CircadianRhythms.aspx), an internal clock that naturally tells you when to wake up and go to bed.
However, if you’re used to an inconsistent sleep schedule, you should aim to slowly adjust your routine towards a consistent sleep schedule in around 15-minute increments each night.
For example, if you normally go to bed at 2 a.m. and wake up at 10 a.m (hey, we’ve all been there), you should start by sleeping at 1:45 a.m, then 1:30 a.m, and so on, until you reach your desired bedtime.
### 23\. Talk to a Sleep Specialist
If you’re struggling with sleep issues, it might be time to go see a sleep specialist about your sleep problem. [Sleep specialists](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6732697/) are trained to evaluate you to look for deeper conditions like a sleep disorder, and can provide you with more in-depth information that’s specific to your personal needs.
Being tired but unable to sleep is an extremely frustrating situation. While you’re up restless at night, it can feel even more difficult to [wake up](https://casper.com/blogs/article/wake-yourself-up/) the next morning. Whether it’s a one-time thing or you’re consistently up counting sheep, we hope this guide can help you figure out what to do when you can’t sleep, and give you some tips for how to fall asleep.
## **Fall Into a Deep Sleep with Casper**
In the grand scheme of things, sleep is more than just a fleeting luxury, but an absolute necessity for our overall well-being. So, whether it’s a minor bout of insomnia or a prolonged struggle, remember to take heart! Turn the tables on your sleeplessness by employing these tips and tricks with an open mind. Make your bed a haven of comfort, cultivate mindful habits, and always aim to set the stage for a sound night’s rest. With time and patience, you’ll find that elusive ticket to dreamland and never look back. Trust us, there’s a silver lining in every sleepless night; it’s just a matter of finding what works best for you.
Ready to turn out the lights? Check out our collection of drool-worthy [memory foam mattresses](https://casper.com/mattresses/) and buttery soft [bed sheets](https://casper.com/bedding/sheets/) for the type of sleep that dreams are made of.
**Disclaimer**: This article is for general information only and is not intended to be medical advice. Consult your physician before taking any supplements, beginning any diet or fitness plan, or adopting any treatment for a health problem.
**Sources:**
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