How to Get Better Sleep

On this episode

We all struggle with getting a good night’s sleep from time to time… some of us more than others. Whether it’s waking up in the middle of the night worrying, dealing with long-standing insomnia, or the meta worry of not sleeping enough, it can feel like a good night’s rest is out of our control. It’s frustrating, not to mention exhausting.

Sleep isn’t something we can force – it just needs the right conditions. This includes practicing good sleep hygiene, calming our racing thoughts, and building a healthy mindset around rest. Techniques like ACT can help us manage sleep anxiety by teaching us to let go of thoughts we can’t control.

Poor sleep seriously impacts our physical and mental health. It increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, depression, and even memory problems. It also leaves us less productive, less creative, and more prone to anxiety. When we’re consistently unable to get a handle on our sleep, the cycle of exhaustion and stress continues.

To break that cycle, set a consistent bedtime and wake-up time, even on weekends. Create a calm and comfortable sleeping environment by making your bedroom cool, dark, and free of distractions. Put your phone away well before bedtime and avoid using it as an alarm clock. If your mind is busy, try mindfulness techniques to notice your worries without engaging with them. Listen to this episode in full for Steve’s invaluable advice.