Recently, I shared some thoughts on Channel 5 News about the stress many of us feel when we know we should be sleeping but can’t. While it was a great discussion, I couldn’t help but notice the segment’s headline being a little… scaremongering. It’s easy to see why—fear grabs attention.
But when it comes to sleep, fear is exactly what we need to reduce, not amplify. Whether it’s needing to wake up early for something important or feeling the pressure to be at our best, this stress often spirals into a cycle of restlessness, anxiety, and even dread about the next day.
Stress about sleep is already a huge issue. That creeping thought of ‘What if I don’t sleep tonight?’ can spiral into a cycle of worry, sleeplessness, and more anxiety. For many, it’s not just about sleep but the deeper fear of what might happen if they’re not at their best the next day: ‘If I’m tired, I’ll underperform, look bad, or even risk my job.’
These catastrophic thoughts fuel restlessness and keep the cycle going. The problem isn’t just being tired—it’s the pressure we put on ourselves about being tired.
At this time of year, with its mix of joy and overwhelm, these feelings often amplify. It’s not just the holiday craziness—it’s the narratives we create:
✨ If I don’t sleep well tonight, tomorrow will be awful.
✨ Why can’t I manage this when everyone else seems fine?
The truth is, this pressure can make even the best sleep advice feel impossible to follow. But here’s what I’ve learned and share often: you can unlearn this mindset.
✅ Reframe your relationship with sleep.
✅ Focus on small, practical steps to tweak behaviours and ease the emotional load.
✅ Give yourself permission to let go of perfection.
Sleep isn’t about ‘getting it right’—it’s about creating space to let your body and mind do what they naturally know how to do.
If this resonates, start small. Take a moment to reflect on your own sleep patterns—what’s really driving your stress? My short sleep quiz is a great first step to better understanding your sleep habits and gain practical, personalised tips.
Are we scared of feeling tired?
