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Evening & sleep

When Sleep Won't Come, Take a Quiet Break

If you're lying awake and getting frustrated, step away from bed briefly and return when you feel sleepy.

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The room is dark, but you're still awake, turning over and checking how little of the night is left. Trying harder to sleep can make the wait feel even longer.

If you've been awake for what feels like roughly twenty minutes, consider getting up for a quiet break. You don't need to watch the clock or leave at an exact minute. Choose a safe, comfortable place with low lighting and do something calm, such as reading a few easy pages.

Leave work, news, and scrolling for another time. Return to bed when you feel sleepy, rather than setting yourself a deadline to fall asleep.

Adapt this to your mobility and circumstances; you don't have to walk to another room if that isn't safe. If sleep problems keep happening or affect your daily life, speak with a healthcare professional. A bedtime habit can support an evening, but persistent insomnia deserves proper care.

Further reading: NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde: management of insomnia

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