The Briefest “How to Sleep Like a Baby” Article You’ll Likely Ever Read

Wake up with buzzing energy every morning and conquer the day

In the modern-day, sleeping 8 hours every night is the best life hack.

We’ve not only normalized but also glamorized sleep deprivation — nightclubs, late-night Netflix binges, and “Sleep is for the weak. Hustle!” culture being the prime culprits.

No wonder most adults are clinically and chronically sleep-deprived.

”Happiness in simplicity can be achieved with a flexible mindset and nine hours sleep each night.”

— Dalai Lama

But its ghastly consequences are far from cool — hormone disruption, low energy, cardiac risk, obesity, weak focus, irritability, high blood pressure, tampered memory, depression, and even higher mortality.

As a former light-sleeping “night owl” that conquered insomnia, I want to distill everything I’ve learned into 9 actionable tips:

1. Adhere to the same sleep time. Circadian rhythms govern our sleep and only by sticking to a routine can you reprogram your rhythm — 7 PM or 12 AM, choose a bedtime based on your preference and convenience.

2. Develop a relaxing night-time routine. Splashing cold water on my face, and reading fantasy propped on some pillows is my goto. Family banter, a lukewarm shower, journaling, and meditation are excellent alternatives.

3. Avoid (long) afternoon naps. Naps can mess up your sleep schedule. If you desperately need a siesta, limit it to 10 to 20 minutes — this can actually refresh your mood and energy.