We’ve all had it happen. We were resting on the couch, dozing in and out, and we decided that maybe the bed would be a little more comfortable. But then, when we get up and go to bed, suddenly we’re awake again.
Why can’t we sleep the same in bed as we do on the couch? This can be frustrating, but the simple and scientific answer is that our brain forms habits that permit this to happen.
That means the more you fall asleep on the couch, the more likely it is that you’ll not be able to fall asleep in your bed. But let’s take a closer look!
Why Does This Happen?
After a long day or even after a good meal, the first place we head to is that comfy couch in our living rooms. After all, what’s better than after a long hard day sliding your shoes off and cuddling down on the couch to watch some Netflix?
Or maybe you’ve just finished a big meal and want to relax by watching a little television. Of course, it makes sense to all of us, but by doing this, we’re building habits that our brain identifies with being ready for relaxation, and that often means sleep.
Our brain, not understanding that relaxation doesn’t have to include sleep, then automatically begins to shut down for the day. That is why the more you fall asleep on the couch, the more your brain is taught that that is the place where you sleep.
Is it Common?
Because many of us spend a good chunk of our time when we are at home sitting on the couch, it is very common for people to nod off while they’re there.
The fact that it is easier for you to sleep on the couch than on your bed then becomes a very commonplace situation that must be addressed.
It is so common that many scientists have included this issue in their sleep studies. By focusing on the factors that create the issue, many of them hope to help solve many problems, including things having to do with sleep disorders.
How Can You Fix the Issue?
Fixing this issue is actually very straightforward. Because the more you do it, the more your brain associates the couch with the place where you sleep. You need to focus on trying to make your way to the bed whenever you start to feel sleepy.
The more you sleep in your own bed, the more your brain will be accustomed to the idea, and the habit will be formed. By forming this habit, you’re then moving away from the inclination to sleep on the couch.
Why is Sleeping on the Couch Bad?
Sleeping on the couch isn’t necessarily bad every now and then. But if it becomes a habit, some health issues could arise that could decrease your sleep quality.
Some of these disadvantages of sleeping on the couch are:
- You may find yourself having more back and neck pain. Because most couches are not designed with orthopedic thought in mind, oftentimes, your posture when sleeping is not correct.
Having limited space and no support means that your back and neck may become stiff, and therefore everything will be out of alignment, which could cause potential pain.
- Maybe the biggest disadvantage to sleeping on the couch is the fact that you may suffer from poor sleep quality. Sure, you’ll be getting sleep, but because the couches are in a central location, you may be interrupted by others in the home.
On top of that, there’s not a lot of space to stretch out, which will confine you, which could lead to reduced comfort when sleeping.
Tips That Can Help You Sleep Better in Your Bed
To break the habit and make your bed someplace you want to sleep, we thought we’d give you a few tips that could help you sleep better in your own bed. Here are our best pieces of advice:
You should really disconnect when you’re in bed. One of the reasons you may not be sleeping comfortably in your own bed is that you’ve been exposed to too much blue light.
This means turning off smart devices and other technology and just allowing your body to relax.
If you’re still having problems and you’ve tried everything, you may want to invest in a melatonin supplement. Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone in our body that helps us sleep, so by increasing the levels in your body, you may find it easier to fall asleep.
It’s not always only about the bed. You want to look at your bedroom environment and make sure it’s comfortable and inviting.
This means making sure it’s the right temperature, there are decreased noise levels, and everything is arranged in just a way that makes you feel comfortable.
Final Thoughts on Can’t Sleep in Bed But Can On Couch
Falling asleep on the couch easier than in your own bed is common. But it is a habit that we have created, and because it is a habit, it can be broken.
By focusing on making sure you are comfortable in the environment and in the bed, you can ensure a better night’s sleep there.