Most people have experienced a night when sleep simply doesn’t come as easily as expected. You may feel tired throughout the evening, but once you get into bed, your mind suddenly becomes active. You start thinking about tomorrow’s responsibilities, replaying moments from the day, or wondering why you haven’t fallen asleep yet.
Occasional sleeplessness can happen for many reasons. Stress, travel, changes in your schedule, a particularly busy week, or simply being out of your normal routine can make settling down more difficult. While you can’t guarantee that you’ll fall asleep the moment your head reaches the pillow, creating a consistent and relaxing bedtime routine can help make the transition from a busy day to bedtime feel easier.
For adults experiencing occasional sleeplessness, an over-the-counter nighttime sleep aid such as Jet-Asleep can also be a convenient option when used according to the product label. Combining a thoughtful bedtime routine with the responsible use of a sleep aid when appropriate can give you a practical plan for those occasional difficult nights.
One of the most important parts of a bedtime routine actually happens before you get into bed. Going directly from working, cleaning, studying, or managing household responsibilities to trying to sleep doesn’t leave much time to mentally transition. Even though your body may be tired, your mind may still feel like it’s in the middle of the day.
Try creating a period of quieter activity before bedtime. You might change into comfortable clothes, lower the lights, prepare for the next morning, or spend some time reading. Your routine doesn’t have to be elaborate. The goal is simply to create a clear separation between the active portion of your day and the time you’ve reserved for rest.
When you’re busy, it can be tempting to answer one more email or finish one more task before bed. The problem is that “one more” can quickly turn into another hour of work.
Set a point in the evening when work is finished.
Close your laptop, put away paperwork, and allow unfinished tasks to wait until tomorrow whenever possible. If you’re worried you’ll forget something important, write it down rather than continuing to think about it. Creating this boundary can make it easier to stop treating bedtime like an extension of your workday.
Phones, televisions, tablets, and laptops make it incredibly easy to remain entertained right up until the moment you try to sleep. Unfortunately, they can also make it difficult to mentally disconnect from the day. You don’t necessarily need to remove every device from your home, but consider giving yourself a break from constant notifications and information before bedtime.
Instead of scrolling through your phone in bed, try reading, listening to quiet music, or simply allowing yourself some uninterrupted downtime. A calmer environment can make your entire bedtime routine feel more intentional.
Your bedroom should feel different from the spaces where you work and handle daily responsibilities. Consider the temperature, lighting, noise level, bedding, and overall comfort of the room. Dim lighting in the evening can help create a more relaxing atmosphere, while reducing unnecessary noise and distractions can make the room feel more peaceful.
Keeping your bedroom tidy can also help. You don’t need to create a luxury hotel room, but having a comfortable and inviting place to end your day can make bedtime something you look forward to rather than another task on your schedule.
Your body tends to appreciate routine. Going to bed and waking up at approximately the same time each day can make your sleep schedule more predictable. While occasional late nights are sometimes unavoidable, maintaining some consistency can make it easier to return to your normal routine afterward.
Weekends, travel, holidays, overtime, and social events can all temporarily shift your schedule. When that happens, gradually returning to your regular bedtime can help restore the routine you’re accustomed to.
Even an excellent bedtime routine can’t prevent every difficult night. Sometimes you’ve done everything you normally do and still find yourself having trouble falling asleep. That’s where having a plan for occasional sleeplessness can be helpful.
For adults who choose to use an OTC nighttime sleep aid, Jet-Asleep Nighttime Sleep Aid can provide a convenient option for temporary relief of occasional sleeplessness. Jet-Asleep contains diphenhydramine HCl, an ingredient commonly used in nonprescription nighttime sleep aids.
Having an OTC sleep aid available can be particularly convenient when an unusually stressful day, disrupted schedule, or other temporary situation makes falling asleep more difficult than usual. Always use Jet-Asleep according to the Drug Facts label and follow all directions and warnings. OTC sleep aids are medications and should be used responsibly.
Using an OTC sleep aid doesn’t mean your bedtime habits stop being important. You can still dim the lights, put away your devices, make your bedroom comfortable, and give yourself time to relax. Think of your bedtime routine as the overall framework you use to transition into the night.
When occasional sleeplessness occurs, a product such as Jet-Asleep can fit into that established routine when appropriate and used as directed. It’s also important to remember that OTC sleep aids are intended for occasional sleeplessness. If you’re consistently having difficulty sleeping or your sleep problems continue, talk with a healthcare professional rather than continually relying on a nighttime sleep aid.
A bedtime routine doesn’t need to involve dozens of steps. In many cases, the best routine is one that’s simple enough to follow consistently.
Finish your work, lower the lights, step away from your screens, prepare your bedroom, and give yourself a little time to relax. Those small habits can create a noticeable distinction between a busy day and a restful night.
And for those occasional nights when sleep still doesn’t come easily, Jet-Asleep can provide a convenient OTC option designed for temporary relief of occasional sleeplessness when used according to the label.
You can’t control every stressful day or schedule disruption, but you can control how you prepare for bedtime. Creating a relaxing routine and having an option available for occasional sleeplessness can help make difficult nights feel a little more manageable.
