Waking too early?

Try making a nest!

There are lots of different kinds of insomnia. Mine often manifests itself not as an inability to fall asleep but rather waking far too early, and finding myself unable to get back to sleep.

Common wisdom suggests first trying to get back to sleep, then leaving the bed if you're unsuccessful to not begin associating the bed with sleep difficulties.

Some also suggest doing a mundane chore while you wait to feel more tired.

For me, these suggestions combined can trigger to my mind that it's time to start the day! And then there's little hope of successfully returning to bed.

One strategy that I had adapted with some luck is making a nest. This is a comfy and cozy area that's not bed but also isn't a place you'd normally hang during the day. Maybe a beanbag or pillows on the floor. I make sure to have a charger and something to drink nearby.

When I wake up too early, sometimes I'll head to my nest. I don't always end up falling asleep there, but I don't always not, either.