Fatigue is increasingly affecting people’s daily lives as poor sleep becomes a global concern. While many turn to supplements, gadgets, and “sleep hacks,” experts warn that overthinking rest is worsening sleep quality.
New findings now reveal four simple habits that can genuinely improve nightly rest.
In the past, falling asleep meant little more than turning off the lights and lying down. Today, sleep has become a project—filled with trackers, sprays, weighted blankets, and even mouth tape.
This growing obsession, known as sleep mixing, started on social media but has now become part of daily routines worldwide.
However, experts say the trend is backfiring. A recent survey found that one in four people experimenting with sleep mixing have become more afraid of not sleeping, ultimately worsening their insomnia.
Lack of proper sleep doesn't just cause fatigue—it raises the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and depression. A Swedish study published in March warned that sleeping less than four hours for just three nights can cause permanent heart damage.
Against this backdrop, experts have identified four practical, research-backed tips to achieve restful, high-quality sleep.
1. Timeliness
Specialists stress that the most effective step toward better sleep is going to bed and waking up at the same time every day.
A stable wake-up time acts as an anchor for the body’s internal clock, while irregular sleep patterns disrupt hormone regulation.
When wake-up times vary, the body struggles to release cortisol, the hormone responsible for alertness. Similarly, unpredictable bedtime interferes with melatonin production, making it harder to fall asleep naturally.
Research also shows that people who consistently sleep after midnight have a 60% higher risk of heart attack.
2. Warm shower
A warm—not hot—shower signals the body that it is time to wind down. By slightly raising body temperature and allowing it to cool afterward, the body receives a strong biological cue that sleep should begin. Experts emphasize that the water should remain comfortably warm, not excessively hot, to achieve the ideal calming effect.
3. ‘No-scroll’ zone
Checking social media, reading the news, or replying to messages right before bed keeps the brain in active mode. This form of scrolling prevents the natural wind-down process, increases alertness hormones, and interrupts melatonin production.
Experts say the phone does not need to be completely removed from the bedroom. Instead, staying off the screen at least one hour before sleeping can make a noticeable difference. They suggest starting with 15 minutes and gradually increasing the screen-free window. Listening to light music or calming podcasts can also help the brain relax.
4. The morning
Experts note that good sleep actually begins in the morning. Exposure to natural sunlight soon after waking helps stop melatonin production and signals the body clock that the day has begun. This process regulates energy levels and helps reset the sleep-wake cycle.
Eating breakfast afterward helps stabilize blood sugar, activating the body’s system for the day ahead.
What we do from morning to evening ultimately determines whether we sleep well at night.
