I watched the first half of a billion movies. Here’s how a typical movie night goes for me: After eating too many fries from Rocket and wash it down with a few beers, I’m swaddled in a plush blanket, horizontal on the couch, and zoned out long before Michelle Yeoh hits the hot dog finger scene in everywhere all at once.
Maybe your schedule is busy, but you still want to capture every twist of the Glass Onion film. Or maybe your partner’s date selection seems like a snoozefest, and you’re trying to get credits on Morbius. Whatever your reason for staying up, keep the following tips in mind the next time you stream something at home.
Save the hard drinks for another night
This six-pack of beers might have to spend another evening chilling in the fridge if you’re determined not to doze off on movie night. Eric Prather, a professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at UC San Francisco, points to the soporific effects of alcohol. “If you have that extra glass of wine while you watch a movie at night, and you’re not moving and sleepy?” he says. “Wow, it better be a thriller to keep you awake.”
Instead of takeout, try the charcuterie for dinner
OK, so I’m sipping a whiskey and a coke (hold the whiskey). And my takeaway? A big, greasy pizza or a delicious mountain of Indian food is probably not ideal if you want to keep your eyes peeled. “Your body has this relaxation response that can happen after you eat a big meal,” he says. britney jonesan insomnia psychologist at a telehealth company called DrLullaby. “So I would say go for something smaller, whether it’s a snack or a small meal, like a charcuterie board.” That’s a fantastic suggestion, though she’s clearly never seen how much cheese and crackers I can put back by devouring a charcuterie board.
Your couch might be a little too comfy
If you enjoy napping on the couch where you’re trying to watch a movie, your body can be trained to recognize the location as a prime place to switch off. A person might want to watch it at their partner or friend’s house instead. Or sit in a chair that’s not as comfortable in your living room instead of the comfy couch,” Jones says.
Your bed is definitely too comfortable
As tempting as it sounds, your bed is probably the worst place in your house to stream movies. “So we want to try to make the bed a sanctuary for sleeping,” says Prather. “Sleep and sex.” Do you struggle to stick to a regular sleep schedule? Movie nights in bed are definitely not the way to go. “For people who tend to have sleep problems, or who already have sleep problems, this can help perpetuate them,” he says. “Your body gets a little confused about what it’s supposed to do.”
Cope with your general lack of sleep
“If a person lacks sleep, does he want to watch a movie at night? You might not arrive even 30 minutes into the movie,” says Jones. She suggests trying to rest the night before, as well as addressing the root causes behind your lack of sleep.
Keep the remote nearby to press Pause
Get your blood flowing again with frequent breaks during the movie, not just when you have to use the bathroom. Do you feel like you’re about to fall asleep? “It could be a cue to hit pause, get up, grab some popcorn, get a drink, move around a bit,” Jones says.
Surrender to the decadent bliss of sleep
“I wouldn’t try to stay awake,” he wrote. Christine Blummsleep scientist Chronobiology Center in Switzerland, by e-mail. “Give your body what it desperately needs.” She’s right ! If you’re exhausted after a grueling week, cutting movie night short is a healthy decision.
Stay happy? Consider talking to a doctor
Usually falling asleep while watching movies could potentially be a sign of undiagnosed sleep apnea, says Prather, “If it happens consistently and it happens in other settings, especially the day after what you think get a good night’s sleep.” Does this apply to you? Consider reaching out to your primary care provider to have a conversation about sleep issues.
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