Waking up around 3 a.m. can be frustrating, unsettling, and strangely persistent. You glance at the clock, roll over, and suddenly your mind is wide awake. The good news is that waking up at this hour doesn’t automatically mean your next day is ruined. What matters most is how you react in those quiet moments.
Here’s what you should do (and, just as importantly, what you should avoid) to protect your energy and feel better the next day.
1. Don’t panic: your body is not damaged.
The first mistake many people make is panicking. Thoughts like “I won’t sleep tomorrow” or “Tomorrow is going to be awful” release stress hormones, especially cortisol, making it even harder to fall asleep.
