One or two hours ahead of schedule: Stay in bed for about 15 minutes to yawn and stretch. Then rise and ease into your day—indulge in a relaxing bathroom routine, enjoy a nourishing breakfast, read a book, listen to music, or go for a workout or jog.
Three or four hours early: Head to the bathroom with minimal lights on. Air out the bed to let the sheets cool. Return to bed and focus on your breath—visualize air flowing in through your nostrils to your lungs on inhale, and out from lungs to nostrils on exhale, clearing your mind. If sleep doesn't return within 30 minutes, get up.
Frequent occurrences? If daytime drowsiness or concentration issues arise, consult a professional, as ongoing fatigue could signal stress or early depression signs. Maintain a consistent bedtime and alarm, and unwind for at least 30 minutes before lights out. M.B.
Insights courtesy of Dr. Sylvie Royant-Parola, psychiatrist and sleep expert (www.royant-parola.com), French Society for Sleep Research.
