What Do I Do to Improve My Sleep? (Spoiler: I Don’t!)

How I improve my sleep by stopping overthinking and letting my pillow do the rest.

What do you do to improve your sleep?

Every time someone asks how I improve my sleep, I feel slightly guilty.

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Because apparently, I’m supposed to have a routine.

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People brew chamomile tea, meditate, journal, switch off screens an hour before bed, spray lavender on their pillows, play rainforest sounds, and count sheep like they’re preparing for the Olympics of Sleeping.

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Meanwhile…

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I simply go to bed.

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Well… almost.

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There is one tiny obstacle.

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My brain.

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The same brain that has remained suspiciously quiet all day suddenly becomes the CEO of Midnight Meetings Pvt. Ltd.

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“Remember that awkward thing you said five years ago?”

“What if tomorrow’s conversation goes terribly wrong?”

“Shouldn’t we also plan next month’s grocery list… right now?”

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Seriously?

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You’ve had sixteen waking hours to bring this up.

Now you want a board meeting?

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Sorry.

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Office hours are over.

Please send an email.

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Most nights, I politely decline the invitation.

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Because every extra minute spent overthinking is a minute stolen from perfectly good sleep.

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And I refuse to let imaginary problems rob me of real rest.

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So, touchwood, I’ve never really had to improve my sleep.

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The moment my head finally reaches the pillow, it’s game over.

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No lavender.

No sleep apps.

No breathing exercises.

No smart gadgets congratulating me for existing.

Just one pillow…

…and lights out.

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If I have one piece of bedtime advice, it’s this:

Don’t let your brain schedule meetings after business hours.

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Nothing productive has ever happened at 2 a.m.
Except winning imaginary debates against people who have no idea they’re involved.

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Sleep is free.
Overthinking is expensive.
I’ve decided to invest wisely.

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Because tomorrow deserves a well-rested version of me,

not the one who stayed awake arguing with imaginary situations.

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So, if I have one sleep secret, it’s this…

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I don’t chase sleep anymore. I stop chasing thoughts, switch off the day, and let my pillow do the rest.

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Until silence finds another story…
With love,
—Rajeshwari 🧿💕

© Nihshabd by Rajeshwari

Comments

21 responses to “What Do I Do to Improve My Sleep? (Spoiler: I Don’t!)”

  1. SRIKANTH Avatar

    Rajeshwari, this is absolutely brilliant! 😂 The ‘CEO of Midnight Meetings Pvt. Ltd.’ had me laughing out loud—it’s exactly what my brain does too!

    I love how you’ve turned the whole ‘sleep routine’ pressure on its head. It’s so refreshing to hear someone say, ‘I just go to bed,’ instead of selling us a 12-step ritual. And you’re so right—nothing good ever happens at 2 AM except imaginary arguments we always win.

    Consider this my official resignation from all midnight board meetings! Your advice to ‘stop chasing thoughts and let the pillow do the rest’ is probably the wisest sleep tip I’ve ever read. Thank you for this gentle, funny reminder to be kind to ourselves at bedtime.

    Sleep well, and may your imaginary debates stay on mute! 🧿💕

  2. DimmaJo Blog Avatar

    It’s so good to hear that you are one of those who immediately drift to sleep as soon as your head touches the pillow. In my case, it’s a completely different story…smiles.

    You are also right by giving the mind that name 🤣, because tell it why it will choose to organize a meeting when it’s time for sleep 🤣

  3. Krish Avatar

    Good morning dear Rajeshwari…The CEO of Midbight Meeting Pvt. Ltd…How interesting…I really enjoyed reading your blog. How do you manage your sleep? Yes, sleep should be restorative. Only you can have such wonderful thoughts. That’s why I like your blog. 😁😁🌹🌹

    1. nihshabdblog Avatar

      Good evening krish! 😊 Thank you so much for your kind words. They truly made me smile. 🌸 I don’t think I’ve mastered sleep yet… I’m still negotiating with the CEO of Midnight Meetings myself! 😄 I’m so happy you enjoyed the blog. Your encouragement means a lot to me. 🌹

  4. iamfoolz Avatar
    iamfoolz

    This made me smile. Midnight meetings are usually full of terrible ideas anyway. The line about not chasing sleep but stopping the chase after thoughts was my favourite.

    1. nihshabdblog Avatar

      Thank you so much! 😊 I’m really glad that part stayed with you.🤍✨

  5. Aptivi Avatar
    Aptivi

    Good afternoon, Rajeshwari! ☀️

    Midnight thoughts are not meant to be chased during midnight. You caught me at “CEO of Midnight Meetings Pvt. Ltd.”! 😂

    My Wi-Fi keeps acting up and crashing too often these days. 😐 This thing ruined my yesterday’s experiment at the last moment.

    Have a great, wonderful day and weekend! ☺️

    1. nihshabdblog Avatar

      Good evening! 😊 I’m so glad the CEO of Midnight Meetings gave you a laugh. 😂 Sorry to hear about your Wi-Fi though… it really has terrible timing! I hope today’s been much kinder to you. Wishing you a peaceful evening and a wonderful weekend. 🌙🤍✨

      1. Aptivi Avatar
        Aptivi

        Thank you so much for your kind words, Rajeshwari! ☺️

        It’s really frustrating especially when my Wi-Fi crashes a lot.

        Thank you for your kind wishes! Your words really made me smile a lot. ☺️💜

  6. vermavkv Avatar

    What a delightful and relatable read! 😊 Your blend of humour, honesty, and wisdom makes this piece both entertaining and meaningful. I especially loved the idea of not letting the brain schedule “Midnight Meetings”—such a clever way to describe overthinking!

    Your reminder that “Sleep is free. Overthinking is expensive.” is simple, memorable, and so true. Thank you for sharing this refreshing reflection and the gentle reminder to let go of the day’s worries and simply rest. Sweet dreams and happy writing! 🌙💙

    1. nihshabdblog Avatar

      Thank you so much Verma ji! 😊 I’m so glad the “Midnight Meetings” made you smile. Your lovely words truly brightened my day. Wishing you peaceful nights and happy dreams. 🤍🦋✨

  7. Joey Jones Avatar
    Joey Jones

    😆

    1. nihshabdblog Avatar

      🤍🤍🦋✨

  8. Vijay Srivastava Avatar

    A beautifully crafted reflection, Rajeshwari!

    What begins as a light-hearted conversation about sleep gradually unfolds into a profound insight into the nature of the human mind. More often than not, the real challenge is not falling asleep it is learning not to entertain every thought that arrives after the lights go out.

    “Don’t let your brain schedule meetings after business hours” is far more than a witty line; it is a quiet philosophy of living. The mind endlessly revisits the past and rehearses the future, while peace exists only in the present. The moment we stop responding to every mental invitation, silence gently takes over and with it comes true rest.

    Your reflection beautifully echoes an ancient wisdom: we do not find peace by controlling every thought, but by refusing to be carried away by them. A calm mind is the softest pillow, and acceptance is the finest lullaby.

    “Sleep is free. Overthinking is expensive.” What a brilliant reminder for our fast-paced world! Sometimes, the wisest thing we can do is simply close the day’s chapter with gratitude and allow tomorrow to arrive in its own time.

    Thank you for sharing such a thoughtful, graceful, and quietly inspiring piece. It leaves the reader smiling and perhaps sleeping a little better too. 🙏

    1. nihshabdblog Avatar

      Vijay ji, this truly touched my heart. 🤍You found so much more in my words than I consciously put there, and that is the greatest compliment a writer can receive. Thank you for reading so deeply and for such a thoughtful reflection. It means more than you know.🤍🦋✨

  9. samaysakshi Avatar

    Very delightful and meaningful writing. Yes it happens when you are not busy at work the thoughts overpower you, best may be let the thoughts come and go, do not get involved in them, say I don’t care for anything now, it is my bedtime. Might be easy saying than doing but practice makes a person perfect.

    1. nihshabdblog Avatar

      I love that… “don’t get involved in them.” Such simple advice, yet so profound. Thank you for sharing it.🤍✨🦋

  10. luisa zambrotta Avatar

    Brilliant!
    Thanks a lot for sharing

  11. Rupali Avatar

    Keep the routine going. 😴

  12. Glowith – Glow Every Day, Grow Every Way Avatar

    Good morning, Rajeshwari! 😊 Loved this. “Please send an email” to the midnight brain gave me a smile. Such a relatable and light-hearted reminder that real rest begins when we stop entertaining unnecessary thoughts. Have a wonderful day! 💛

    1. nihshabdblog Avatar

      Good evening! ☀️ Thank you so much! 😊 I’m so glad that line made you smile. Sometimes our midnight brain really does need to be told, “Office hours are over!” 😄 Wishing you a peaceful day filled with calm thoughts and plenty of reasons to smile. 💛🌸

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