Sleep experiments
Some beliefs about sleep are easier to test than to argue with. Each experiment takes a few nights. You write down what you expect, try something different, and then look at what happened, with your diary beside it.
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Choose one to try
- Does checking the clock help me fall asleep?5 nights. Checking the time can feel like it helps, but it often adds worry about how late it is and how little time is left.
- What happens to my day if I keep my plans after a poor night?7 nights. Canceling plans to rest after a bad night can make the next day, and sleep itself, feel more fragile than they are.
- Do I feel better after sleeping in?7 nights. Sleeping in can feel like catching up, but it shifts the body clock and lowers sleep drive, which can make the next night harder.
- Does trying harder help me fall asleep?5 nights. Effort tends to keep the mind alert, which is the opposite of what sleep needs.
Your experiments
For experiments beyond sleep, Behavioral Experiment from Everyday Insight walks through any prediction step by step.
Read more: The thinking side of insomnia
Everyday Insight’s tools are for education and personal reflection. They are not therapy or medical care, and they are not for emergencies. In an emergency, call 911. If you are in crisis in the United States, call or text 988.