Sleepless nights. There you lie, staring at the ceiling, while the minutes tick towards that alarm clock that screams you out of bed far too early.
Hey, maybe this sounds familiar?
Working parents, students, night owls – I’m talking to you!
Knowing you have to get up early, the Sandman can throw quite a bit of sand in your eyes, without the accompanying dreamland melody.
Sleep is “the” natural instrument for your (mental) health and vitality. Want to get the most out of your sleep? Then follow one of my science-based sleep courses.
In this video podcast I dive into the depths of the night; playfully we look for answers as to why ‘getting up early’ and ‘sleeping well’ sometimes clash like oil and water, cats and dogs, or socks and sandals.
Watch the video below with tips for sleeping wonderfully, even when you have to get up early.
Do you prefer to listen to a podcast (+ video)? Then you can via the one below.
01
The curse of the alarm clock – the psychology of sleeping and waking
It is in our nature, carved into our brain – staying awake when there is potential danger. No dinosaur entering your tent, but that blinking digital alarm clock can trigger just as much panic. That alarm clock is enemy number one. Your thoughts race, worrying about the day ahead, while the soft tick of the clock sounds like a time limit.
Set that alarm, but it shouldn’t feel like the start of a race. Give yourself that mental space, those eight and a half hours to travel through dreamland without that pressure. And hey, feel free to set two alarms if it reassures you!
02
The scaredy-cat and the job interview
Oh the irony, you want to show up fresh as a daisy at that job interview, but the fear of oversleeping parades around in your head like a parade of elephants.
03
Not being able to sleep because of stress
There you go, worrying in bed about all the “what if” scenarios. After all, you know a good conversation begins with a good night’s sleep.
Personal anecdote: I remember it well, my first job interview. I was shaking like a leaf and had bags down to my ankles. Believe me, being a tired conversation partner is not a picture of success.
04
The remedy – breathing, apps and acceptance
With all the stress on your shoulders, how do you ever fall asleep?
Mindset. Focus on the now. You have earned this lovely sleep moment and you’re going to fully enjoy it. Nothing can disturb that. Not what happened today and not what tomorrow brings.
Well, snorkelling in the seas of sleep is not so different from a good old breathing exercise. Breathe calmly, in… and out – the best way to let the sleep Sirens guide you to bed.
And let technology help you; sleep apps, such as the Sleep Cycle app, that track your sleep cycles and wake you at the ideal moment – a brilliant invention! That way you wake up feeling as if you slept on clouds.
05
Closing with a wink
Dear sleepless ones and have-to-get-up-early folks, hopefully this blog lays the foundation for zzz’s above your weight. A good night’s sleep is a pearl – and just like pearls, they don’t come by themselves. You have to open the shell, dive deep and find them.
Excited for that upcoming interview or that deadline?
Give your sleep the priority it deserves; sleep is the marinade of success.
And that alarm clock? Well, consider it your friend. It gives you the signal that you’ve completed your mission and are ready to conquer the world.
So, set that alarm, do those breathing exercises, and who’s swimming there?
That’s you, in a sea of calm, balmy zzz’s.
Sleep tight!
And for the dreamers among us, a toast to lucid dreams about stress-free mornings and successful job interviews. And don’t forget, counting too many sheep only backfires before the sun comes up. Rather look at clouds and see the silver lining! 🌔✨
raytest
Read also the impact of using a screen on the release of melatonin.