Unlock Your Best Writing by Getting Enough Good Sleep. Here’s How.

Jan 23, 2025 | Writing A Book

If you intend to write a book, getting enough good sleep is essential. We both know that. We also know that you probably aren’t getting enough good sleep. I went to the experts to figure out how you can do better.

I chose Dr. Andrew Huberman, Dr. Chris Winter, Dr. William Dement, Dr. Matthew Walker, and Shawn Stevenson, and I reviewed their work. Here’s what they agree on.

Maintain a consistent sleep schedule. As far as possible, go to bed and get up at the same time every day. Every day means every day. Weekends, too.

Manage your light exposure. Exposure to sunlight in the morning and limiting bright light in the evening are important.

Your sleep environment matters. Dark, quiet, and cool work best for most of us.

Pay attention to what and when you eat and drink. Limit caffeine, and don’t drink it in the evening. Try to give yourself at least three hours between the last time you eat and when you go to sleep.

Relax. Breathing exercises, meditation, and a wind-down routine will all help you sleep better.

Make sleep a keystone habit. When you get enough good sleep, everything in your life gets easier. You’ll write better. Self-discipline will improve.

Here are characteristic quotes from the experts about how and why to get enough good sleep.

Dr. Andrew Huberman: “Get sunlight exposure within 30-60 minutes of waking up by going outside for 10-20 minutes.”

Dr. Chris Winter: “Don’t stress excessively about sleep; anxiety can make sleep problems worse.”

Dr. William Dement: “Drowsiness is a red alert,”

Dr. Matthew Walker: “Dim the lights in your home by 50% or more in the last hour before bed.”

Shawn Stevenson: “Sleep is the Swiss Army knife of health.”

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