Can't fall back asleep once I wake up?
Mia Kelly
Published Jan 13, 2026
Many sleep experts recommend getting out of bed and going to a different room if you're unable to fall back asleep within about 20 minutes. Moving into a different room and doing something relaxing to distract your mind for a few minutes may make it easier to fall back asleep when you return.
Why can't I fall asleep again once I wake up?
Counting the minutes of missed sleep since waking up in the middle of the night increases stress and anxiety, which could delay your return to slumber. In addition, exposure to blue and green light from your clock, phone, tablet or computer can make you feel more alert.
Why do I wake up in the middle of the night and can't go back?
But anxiety can also cause you to wake up in the middle of the night and have trouble getting back to sleep (called middle insomnia, or sleep-maintenance insomnia). Terminal insomnia, which happens when you wake up before your ideal wake-up time and just can't fall back asleep, can be a sign of depression.
Should I get up if I can't fall back asleep?
Waking up once or twice during the night is normal. But if you wake up more than a few times during the night or if you can't fall back to sleep, it might be time to try something else. At some point, it makes sense to get out of bed. If you do get up, though, don't worry -- you're not giving up for the night.
Is it better to stay up all night or sleep 2 hours?
Ideally, you should try to get more than 90 minutes of sleep. Sleeping between 90 and 110 minutes gives your body time to complete one full sleep cycle and can minimize grogginess when you wake. But any sleep is better than not at all — even if it's a 20-minute nap.
15 related questions foundHow can I fall back asleep instantly?
20 Simple Tips That Help You Fall Asleep Quickly
- Lower the temperature. ...
- Use the 4-7-8 breathing method. ...
- Get on a schedule. ...
- Experience both daylight and darkness. ...
- Practice yoga, meditation, and mindfulness. ...
- Avoid looking at your clock. ...
- Avoid naps during the day. ...
- Watch what and when you eat.
Is 5 hours of sleep enough?
Sometimes life calls and we don't get enough sleep. But five hours of sleep out of a 24-hour day isn't enough, especially in the long term. According to a 2018 study of more than 10,000 people, the body's ability to function declines if sleep isn't in the seven- to eight-hour range.
Is waking up every 2 hours normal?
Most of us wake up three to four times during the night for varied reasons, and this is considered a part of a normal sleep pattern. However, a lot of us wake more frequently, sometimes even every two to three hours in the night.
Should you go back to sleep after waking up naturally?
So if you're waking up early between those hours and you haven't had at least seven hours of shut-eye, you might begin to feel groggy as the day pushes on. Bottom line: If you're like most adults, then you need at least seven hours of sleep a night — regardless of when you first wake up.
What is the 4 7 8 sleep trick?
Here's how to do the 4-7-8 method...
Inhale quietly through your nose for 4 seconds. Hold your breath for a count of 7 seconds. Exhale through your mouth, making a whoosh sound, for 8 seconds. Repeat the cycle up to 4 times.
How long does melatonin last?
Depending on body weight, dosage, and supplement form, exogenous melatonin stays in your system anywhere from four to eight hours. Melatonin has a half-life — the time it takes the body to metabolize half of a dose of a medication or supplement — of approximately 20-50 minutes.
Does melatonin make it hard to wake up?
Drowsiness is reported as one of the most common side effects of melatonin. If you feel like it's more challenging to wake up after taking melatonin, you might want to practice natural ways to make it easier to wake yourself up, like exposing yourself to bright light or making your bed in the morning.
Why do I wake up tired even after 8 hours sleep?
Waking up feeling slightly groggy or tired is just part of the human experience. It's called sleep inertia: "The transitional state between sleep and wake, marked by impaired performance … and a desire to return to sleep." The main thing to know about sleep inertia is it is completely normal.
What is the first thing you do when you wake up?
What To Do After Waking Up To Start Your Day Right?
- Water is a must. First things first, drink a glass of water before you leave your bed. ...
- Get some sun. ...
- Stretch your body. ...
- Get started with some early morning snacks. ...
- Meditate for 10 minutes. ...
- Read for half an hour. ...
- Prepare your routine. ...
- Some self-affirmation will help.
Why do I naturally wake up after 5 hours of sleep?
When you're about to wake up, your circadian (wake forces) are beginning to increase from its lowest point, your sleep drive (S) is at its lowest point, and you're most likely in REM sleep, when muscles are most relaxed, leading to possible obstructed breathing. This can be a natural, normal waking mechanism.
How many times does the average person wake up every night?
In fact, the average number of awakenings hovers around six times per night. As the body cycles through various stages of sleep, including deep sleep and REM sleep, it dips from shallower to deeper states.
How Little sleep Can you survive on?
The longest recorded time without sleep is approximately 264 hours, or just over 11 consecutive days. Although it's unclear exactly how long humans can survive without sleep, it isn't long before the effects of sleep deprivation start to show. After only three or four nights without sleep, you can start to hallucinate.
How do you break the cycle of waking up in the middle of the night to pee?
Exercise regularly (but not right before bed) Avoid foods that may be disruptive right before sleep (like spicy or heavy, rich foods) Reserve the bed for sleep and sex. Establish a regular relaxing bedtime routine.
How many hours does Elon Musk sleep?
Musk wakes up each morning at around 7 am. He says he likes getting around six to six-and-a-half hours of sleep per night. Sleeping in is not an option for him, saying it affects his performance more than if he sleeps less.
How can I sleep 8 hours in 3 hours?
So if you're going to only get 4 hours of sleep in one night, make sure you don't make it a habit.
- Practice Relaxing Activities. ...
- Step Away From Electronic Screens. ...
- Get Comfy In A Dark And Quiet Environment. ...
- Avoid Liquids Before Sleep. ...
- Practice Mindfulness.
How do I shut my brain off?
How To Shut Off Your Brain When You Just Can't Sleep
- Source from The Huffington Post, By Shelby Freedman Harris, Psy.D. forYouBeauty.com. ...
- Give yourself some mental and physical wind-down time. ...
- Don't worry in bed. ...
- Focus on mental imagery. ...
- Separate productive worry from unproductive worry. ...
- When To See A Specialist.
What is the military method to fall asleep?
The military method
Relax your legs, thighs, and calves. Clear your mind for 10 seconds by imagining a relaxing scene. If this doesn't work, try saying the words “don't think” over and over for 10 seconds. Within 10 seconds, you should fall asleep!
Why can't I sleep even though I'm tired?
If you're tired but can't sleep, it may be a sign that your circadian rhythm is off. However, being tired all day and awake at night can also be caused by poor napping habits, anxiety, depression, caffeine consumption, blue light from devices, sleep disorders, and even diet.
How do you wake up energized?
In this article, we discuss tips that may help a person feel energetic in the morning or wake up quicker.
- Drinking water. ...
- Breathing exercises. ...
- Avoiding the snooze button. ...
- Cold showers. ...
- Energizing smells. ...
- Get some sunlight. ...
- Good sleep habits.