Waking up in the middle of the night can feel frustrating—unless you learn to work with your body’s natural rhythm instead of against it. If you experience biphasic sleep (sleeping in two phases with a wakeful period in between), you can turn your Night Watch into a productive, peaceful, and even enjoyable experience.
The key? Preparation.
By setting yourself up for success before bedtime, you can make your wakeful period feel intentional rather than disruptive. Use this checklist to create a calm, structured, and productive Night Watch routine that works for you.
Prepare for a Productive Night Watch Checklist
1. Keep a Notebook or Planner by Your Bed
How often do you wake up in the middle of the night with a brilliant idea—only to forget it by morning? 🤯
Having a notebook or planner nearby makes it easy to:
✅ Capture ideas before they slip away
✅ Brain dump thoughts that might be keeping you awake
✅ Outline a plan for the next day
This simple habit clears your mind and helps you transition back to sleep more easily.
2. Have a Soft, Warm Light Source Nearby
Turning on bright overhead lights in the middle of the night can make it harder to fall back asleep. Instead, use:
💡 A dimmable lamp
🕯️ A Himalayan salt lamp
🕯️ A candle (if safely monitored)
📖 A book light for reading
Soft lighting keeps your space cozy and signals relaxation rather than alertness.
3. Choose a Calming, Quiet Activity Ahead of Time
When you wake up at night, it’s easy to reach for your phone and start scrolling—but that often leads to overstimulation and frustration.
Instead, have a pre-planned activity ready to go, such as:
📖 Reading a book (fiction or self-development)
📝 Journaling or gratitude writing
🎧 Listening to a guided meditation or soothing music
🧘♀️ Doing light stretching or yoga
Choosing your activity ahead of time helps eliminate decision fatigue and ensures your Night Watch is peaceful and intentional.
4. Keep a Cozy Blanket or Robe Ready
You don’t want to spend your Night Watch shivering! Keep a warm blanket, plush robe, or fuzzy socks within reach.
Staying comfortable and cozy helps you:
✅ Feel relaxed instead of restless
✅ Enjoy your wakeful time rather than rushing back to bed
✅ Transition back to sleep more easily when ready
5. Set a Gentle Reminder That Waking Up Is NORMAL
One of the biggest mindset shifts you can make is realizing that biphasic sleep is completely natural. Instead of panicking when you wake up, remind yourself:
💭 “This is normal, and I can use this time wisely.”
💭 “I don’t need to force myself back to sleep—my body will naturally rest when it’s ready.”
💭 “I can enjoy this peaceful time instead of stressing about it.”
Having this perspective eliminates sleep anxiety and allows you to embrace your Night Watch as a unique part of your productivity and self-care routine.
Final Thoughts: Set Yourself Up for Success
Your Night Watch doesn’t have to feel like an inconvenience—it can be a peaceful, productive, and even enjoyable part of your sleep cycle. By preparing ahead of time, you’ll eliminate frustration and make the most of your wakeful hourswithout disrupting your rest.
📝 Quick Recap:
✅ Keep a notebook or planner nearby
✅ Use soft, warm lighting
✅ Pre-select a quiet activity
✅ Stay warm with a cozy blanket or robe
✅ Shift your mindset—biphasic sleep is normal!
The next time you wake up in the middle of the night, embrace it instead of resisting it—and watch how much calmer and more productive you feel.
💬 Do you experience a Night Watch period? How do you spend your time when you wake up at night? Let me know in the comments! ⬇️
xoxo,
