Q&A for How to Sleep Late

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How can I stop myself from staying up all night?

Alex Dimitriu, MD
Sleep Medicine & Psychiatry Professional
Alex Dimitriu, MD is the Owner of Menlo Park Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine, a clinic based in the San Francisco Bay Area with expertise in psychiatry, sleep, and transformational therapy. Alex earned his Doctor of Medicine from Stony Brook University in 2005 and graduated from the Stanford University School of Medicine's Sleep Medicine Residency Program in 2010. Professionally, Alex has dual board certification in psychiatry and sleep medicine.

Alex Dimitriu, MD

Sleep Medicine & Psychiatry Professional

Expert Answer

Set the thermostat to the right temperature: Most people get their best sleep in a room that is around 65 degrees Fahrenheit. You might find that you prefer a few degrees higher or lower, but keeping it cool can make it easier to fall and stay asleep. Also, turn off your cell phone, or at least turn it to silent. If you have a landline, turn off the ringer or unplug it. Don’t even look at your phone before you go to bed and stay away from any bright screens.

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Question

What does sleep inertia feel like?

Alex Dimitriu, MD
Sleep Medicine & Psychiatry Professional
Alex Dimitriu, MD is the Owner of Menlo Park Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine, a clinic based in the San Francisco Bay Area with expertise in psychiatry, sleep, and transformational therapy. Alex earned his Doctor of Medicine from Stony Brook University in 2005 and graduated from the Stanford University School of Medicine's Sleep Medicine Residency Program in 2010. Professionally, Alex has dual board certification in psychiatry and sleep medicine.

Alex Dimitriu, MD

Sleep Medicine & Psychiatry Professional

Expert Answer

You enter a state of sleep inertia when you wake up during a period of deep sleep. You'll feel groggy, and you may have a headache. It will be extremely hard to wake yourself up and become alert. Even when you do finally shake yourself awake, you'll feel extremely tired. Go back to sleep if you can!

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Question

How can I stop a racing mind at 5:00 AM and still be very sleepy?

Jennifer Boidy, RN
Registered Nurse
Jennifer Boidy is a Registered Nurse based in Baltimore, Maryland. In addition to her nursing career, she also works as a Healthcare Content Strategist & Writer, helping businesses and non-profits market their products and services to healthcare provider organizations, pharmaceutical companies, and other healthcare services vendors. Jennifer’s areas of expertise include pharmaceuticals & life sciences, health technology, medical devices & diagnostics, health insurance & managed care, and healthcare services & facilities. Her certification as a Registered Nurse was issued by the Maryland Board of Nursing. She graduated from the University of Maryland with a BS in Marketing and Finance. She received her Associate of Science in Nursing from Carroll Community College in 2012.

Jennifer Boidy, RN

Registered Nurse

Expert Answer

This can be a challenge and is frustrating when you need your sleep. Your best bet is to learn some mindfulness and relaxation techniques. Some examples are: 1) Visualize something calming, such as leaves floating on the surface of a stream or watching waves roll in on the seashore. 2) Practice progressive muscle relaxation 3) Try deep breathing exercises 4) Refocus your senses by keeping your eyes closed while focusing on your breath.

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Question

How do I block out the sun?

Jennifer Boidy, RN
Registered Nurse
Jennifer Boidy is a Registered Nurse based in Baltimore, Maryland. In addition to her nursing career, she also works as a Healthcare Content Strategist & Writer, helping businesses and non-profits market their products and services to healthcare provider organizations, pharmaceutical companies, and other healthcare services vendors. Jennifer’s areas of expertise include pharmaceuticals & life sciences, health technology, medical devices & diagnostics, health insurance & managed care, and healthcare services & facilities. Her certification as a Registered Nurse was issued by the Maryland Board of Nursing. She graduated from the University of Maryland with a BS in Marketing and Finance. She received her Associate of Science in Nursing from Carroll Community College in 2012.

Jennifer Boidy, RN

Registered Nurse

Expert Answer

You can try “blackout” or “room darkening” curtains which are designed to block out light. Another option is to wear a mask over your eyes.

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