How do you survive the day when you've gotten little to no sleep? I have insomnia and see a doctor, take medications, etc., but sometimes it just doesn't work. New parents, looking at you.

Question

Catherine Davis · Answer

Meditate: I know it sounds counter intuitive to meditate when you’re tired but I always feel refreshed after I meditate (even more than nap) Check out my teacher at vedicpathmeditation.com. He’s the best. Otherwise, drink a shit ton of coffee.

Liv · Answer

Tricking yourself into thinking you got enough sleep: It's like forcing yourself to smile so you feel happy. Just tell yourself you did actually sleep and you feel good. It works maybe half the time but it's free and worth a shot.

Sincerely,

Made It Out of the Newborn Trenches But Still Occasionally Running on Fumes

Melinda · Answer

“Just do it tired!”: I’ve been a parent for six years and up at night for around half that time. I can’t remember where I heard this mantra, but telling myself I can go to work, parent, go to the gym etc and “just do it tired” helped me on those terrible days when I was losing my mind with exhaustion. It’s ok if it’s less than your best. And trust that like everything in life, this too shall pass, and one day you’ll sleep again.

Amy · Answer

Ice Roller: I’ve had this ice roller since February 2019 when Kate Spencer on Forever35 told me it was life changing. It certainly is! Depuff your face, gently ice a bruised eye, cool down on a hot day, entertain a toddler - this thing does it all! ❄️

Sam · Answer

Acupressure point LI-4: ***read/watch the instructions first and don’t try it if you’re pregnant or have injuries in the area https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/patient-education/acupressure-pain-and-headaches

I used this point a lot while writing my dissertation and on a very unhealthy sleep schedule. If nothing else it is momentarily comforting.

Kath · Answer

From the newborn trenches: These recs are very short-term measures to take when you’re truly desperate and need to wake up a bit, not so much strategies to employ continuously throughout the day/week/etc:

•drink something really, really cold

•listen to a comedian you enjoy; if you need to be focused on a specific task, high-energy music

•step outside, if accessible

•cold washcloth on the neck, forearm, etc.

•sniff an alcohol wipe lol

These recs are gentler and have helped make sleepy days less uncomfortable:

•nature sounds (like tree.fm) as background noise

•always including protein and/or fat when eating – eating high-carb foods without protein or fat can cause a more significant blood sugar spike, followed by a blood sugar crash, both of which can exacerbate sleepiness

•stay hydrated (ugh sorry)

•essential oils on the temples or wrists – do some amateur research on invigorating scents & appropriate application

•begin the day with time outside or even next to a window

•consider eating small meals more frequently to prevent the feeling of overfullness that can add to drowsiness

Kai · Answer

This is not longevity advice: But like everything, fatigue waxes and wanes. I know it seems like you're kind of entering the dark night of your soul when you start to get really tired but that will pass. Whether or not you do anything. It will pass more quickly if you move, or drink caffeine, etc. But just knowing that the depth of that fatigue is not permanent was a really helpful reminder for me.

Jenny · Answer

Yoga Nidra: A 20-30 minute guided nap where you deeply relax but (ideally) don't actually fall fully asleep. There was a Sky Ting TV one I did a lot during a period of really intense work stress/burnout that affected my sleep. I used to do it with a weighted eye pillow and it really helped. There are a bunch of free options on Insight Timer & YouTube. A guided body scan would also be similar. A bit easier to do when you work from home!

Maya Bernstein-Schalet · Answer

Genius Caffeine pills 100 mg: I never even considered caffeine pills until a psychiatrist recommended I try an extended release low dose. They have honestly really helped me and don’t upset my stomach. I don’t take them after 2pm. 100mg is about one cup of coffee.

Piper · Answer

Guided breathing for energy: My partner swears by guided breathing routines when he hasn’t slept much. Linking to a creator with a bunch of YouTubes! I also like doing a quick legs up the wall 💛