Every sleeper has a bad night now and then. This collection gathers practical, lifestyle-based help for the problems that come up most often.
If you are awake right now, jump to what to do when you are tired but cannot sleep.
Waking in the night
Waking is common. Read how to fall back asleep, why you wake at the same time and why you wake up too early.
A mind that will not stop
Worry is a common thief of sleep. See why your mind races, how to stop worrying about sleep and why stress breaks sleep.
Schedules, shifts and travel
Changing times throw the body clock off. Try sleeping after a night shift, beating jet lag and adjusting to daylight saving time.
Daily habits that get in the way
Small daily choices matter. Read about caffeine, naps and fixing sleep problems without medication.
Find your problem
| What is happening | Start here |
|---|---|
| Tired but cannot sleep | What to Do When You Are Tired but Cannot Sleep |
| Waking in the night | How to Fall Back Asleep After Waking Up |
| Racing thoughts | Why Your Mind Races When You Try to Sleep |
| Sleep after a bad night | How to Recover From a Bad Night of Sleep |
| Partner snoring | How to Sleep Next to Someone Who Snores |
What to try on a hard night
- Take the clock out of view
- Get up and do something calm in dim light if you are awake for a long time
- Use a slow breathing pattern such as 4-7-8 breathing
- Keep tomorrow’s plan simple
- Go back to your normal routine the next night
Keep in mind
- One bad night rarely does lasting harm
- Trying hard to sleep makes sleep harder
- Steady habits help more than quick fixes
- Talk to a doctor if a problem lasts or worries you
Questions readers ask
Is it normal to wake up during the night?
Brief wake-ups are common. This article explains what is normal and what is worth mentioning to a doctor.
What should I do after a bad night?
Keep the day gentle and the next night normal. This guide has a simple plan.
When should I see a doctor?
If sleep problems last for weeks, or you feel unwell, speak to a doctor. These guides are general information, not medical advice.