How to Fall Asleep
Posted on October 11, 2026 By PCR Staff
It’s common knowledge that a good night’s sleep is imperative if you’re hoping to operate at peak performance throughout the day. After all, inadequate sleep can lead to feelings of exhaustion, fuel a bad mood, and slash your productivity significantly. But if you often have trouble falling asleep, a full night of rest might simply seem like an unattainable luxury. Luckily, this is far from the case! Read on to learn how to fall asleep fast by properly preparing your body for bed, even if you don’t feel tired.
Sort Out Racing Thoughts
Maybe you’re worrying over work, or maybe you’re just trying to assemble your weekend schedule in your head. Wherever your mind is, your thoughts can be your own worst enemy when it comes to falling asleep. Since these thoughts seldom just disappear, it’s usually best to address them before bed. Grab a pen, open up a notebook, and jot down a to-do list or a quick plan of action to tackle whatever it is that’s keeping you awake.
Avoid Screens for at Least an Hour Before Bedtime
Scrolling through your favorite social media feeds after settling into bed might seem like a natural way to end the day, but the odds are good that it’s affecting your ability to fall asleep. The blue light projected from both your computer and your smartphone can trick your brain into thinking it’s still daytime, and that it should still be alert even when the opposite is the case. If you’re seeking a rejuvenating rest, finish up your browsing well before heading to bed.
Pay Attention to Lighting
If you’re hanging out in your room before bed, try to avoid overhead lighting in favor of bedside table lamps or other softer sources of light. Once you’re actually ready to catch some shut-eye, make sure to turn off all lights and shut the curtains to make your room as dark – and therefore as conducive to sleep – as possible. To maximize your room’s darkness, consider purchasing blackout curtains and/or a sleep mask.
Drop the Temperature
A warm bedroom might seem comfortable, but it turns out that you’re more likely to sleep if the air is just a touch cooler than where you might actually want it to be, especially if "Why do I sweat in my sleep?" is a common conundrum for you. The best temperature for your circumstances will change from person to person, so feel free to experiment, but expect to hit the jackpot somewhere between 60 °F and 70 °F. If you're worried about waking up chilly, add some blankets to make your bed even cozier.
Choose a More Comfortable Mattress
This one is pretty simple: If you can’t get comfortable, you probably won’t fall asleep! When looking for a mattresses, make sure to use a mattress buying guide to perform in-depth research pertaining to the material options and support levels to ensure it’s the right fit for you. Mattress protectors and other bedding accessories are also a great way to add softness to your existing mattress or make a brand-new one a little more cushioned.
Getting a full night of sleep is fundamental if you’re aiming to give each day your all. It might seem tough to achieve from time to time, but determining for yourself how to fall asleep at a reasonable hour can be made easier by following these steps and tailoring them to your unique habits!