Avoid looking at the clock during the night to reduce anxiety about sleep from "summary" of Say Good Night to Insomnia by Gregg D. Jacobs
One common mistake people make when struggling with sleep is constantly checking the clock throughout the night. This habit only serves to increase anxiety about not being able to fall asleep, which can further disrupt the sleep process. When you are fixated on the time, you are essentially putting pressure on yourself to fall asleep quickly, which can have the opposite effect. The act of checking the clock can also lead to a heightened awareness of how much time has passed since you initially went to bed. This can trigger negative thoughts and emotions, such as frustration or worry, which can make it even harder to relax and drift off to sleep. By avoiding looking at the clock during the night, you can prevent these negative patterns from taking hold. If you find yourself waking up in the middle of the night and feeling restless, resist the temptation to glance at the clock. Instead, focus on calming activities that can help you relax and ease back into sleep. Engaging in deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, or visualization techniques can all be effective ways to quiet the mind and body without fixating on the time. By breaking the habit of looking at the clock during the night, you can break the cycle of anxiety and worry that often accompanies sleep difficulties. This simple change in behavior can help you create a more positive and peaceful sleep environment, which is essential for achieving restful and rejuvenating sleep. So, next time you feel the urge to check the time, remember that letting go of this habit can be a powerful step towards improving your sleep quality.
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