Things To Do When You Can't Sleep | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

6 Things To Do When You Can't Fall Asleep At Night

Because a good night's sleep is overrated anyways.

45
https://unsplash.com/photos/FVRTLKgQ700
Kinga Cichewicz

Don't you just love the feeling of laying down in your own bed after a super long day, ready to sleep for a good 12 hours or so? Yeah, me too. Except when I'm exhausted, 90% of the time I just can't seem to fall asleep. Maybe it's because I'm still wound up from my shift, or maybe it's because my body hates me. I may never know. If you're like me and can't seem to pass out at a relatively decent hour, try these things to help you get a somewhat decent night of sleep.

1. Watch YouTube videos. 

media.giphy.com

YouTube is lowkey better than Netflix or Hulu. A lot of big YouTubers post videos once or twice a week, and chances are if you're new to their channel, you'll have a lot of content to catch up on. You could take the beauty guru route (I see you James Charles and Jeffree Star) or if you're looking for a quirkier experience, try Emma Chamberlain, Shane Dawson or Tana Mongeau.

2. Think about all the things you don't want to think about during the day. 

media.giphy.com

I swear, the worst thoughts and memories come crawling back to the surface when it's nighttime and all you want to do is sleep. Your asshole of an ex? That math midterm you failed two years ago? Why that cute guy from the gym never texted you back? That argument you had with your best friend at 1:32pm on October 23rd, 2014? Maybe instead of trying to push those thoughts away, embrace them. Perhaps it'll tire you out enough to where you can't help but pass out.

3. Make multiple playlists on Spotify that you'll probably never use. 

media.giphy.com

I'd like to say I'm so organized to the point where I have all my music perfectly curated into their own playlists, assorted by my mood or genre. But sadly, I'm lazy and have too short of an attention span to ever complete one. There's plenty of playlists that sit on my account, never to be finished or listened to again. But, in the moment, they're pretty entertaining to start.

4. The reliable Netflix or Hulu. 

media.giphy.com

Even if you've already watched every show on one of these streaming sites, you can still put on one of your favorites solely for background noise. I recommend "The Breakfast Club" (can't go wrong with a classic) or "Gossip Girl" (because I somehow find my way back to it at least once a year).

5. Find a new addictive game on your phone. 

Real-life footage of my Candy Crush addiction

I've never been too into playing games on my phone (minus the phase where I played the Kim Kardashian game obsessively). However, Candy Crush Soda Saga has had me hooked for the past three years. If matching virtual candy isn't your jam, Suduko or Solitaire is mildly entertaining every once in a while.

6. Raid your kitchen for a late night snack. 

media.giphy.com

Personally, food is always the answer to my problems—so why wouldn't it help solve my insomnia? If you're feeling bold, bust out a baking pan and make some fresh cookies! There's no better time than past midnight! Just make sure you don't wake up the people in your house that are actually capable of falling asleep at a reasonable hour.

Now I'm not saying these six things will work (in fact, they probably won't at all), but at least you'll have something to do while you wait for your body and mind to let you sleep and dream in peace.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

190948
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

15289
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

458149
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

26773
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments