A-Level Results Day anxiety keeping you up? Here’s what a sleep expert says to do

And no, going to bed earlier won’t help

4 months ago

Max Booth | Guides

There’s no doubt that A-Level Results Day is a difficult time, and if you’re worried about your prospects, the racing thoughts flying through your head are the very last thing you need when you’re trying to sleep. High cortisol levels are the last thing you need when trying to drift off for a restful night’s sleep to face whatever may be coming when you open that envelope.

It can seem impossible to sleep when you’re stressed but according to sleep expert, so thankfully, Mattress Online have compiled their best advice for drifting off amid stress.

According to the “Sleep Geek”, James Wilson, there are loads of ways to tackle restlessness and stress when trying to sleep. Here’s exactly what you need to do so you can be ready and rested for A-Level Results Day, whether you need your energy for partying or frantic calls to clearing.

Accept that sleep may be more difficult

me when a level results day 2024 is this week 😐 #alevels2024 #alevelresults #resultsday #resultsday2024 #alevels #gcses2024 #gcses #englishlit #english #englishliterature pic.twitter.com/mPYaMacwHO

— harrison 📠 (@hxrrisxn0) August 11, 2024

Giving us his best sleep tips for when stressed, James says that accepting that you might be in for a rough night’s sleep might help you relax and eventually drift off. He said: “Accept that sleep will be more difficult and that you might not get the best sleep – but that’s okay!

“It is only one night and the sleep deprivation it may cause will be helpful to you sleeping well the next night.”

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Stop staring at the clock and trying to will yourself to sleep, that will only delay sleep further. It’s only one night of your life and, hey, if you sleep badly tonight – you’ll sleep like a log tomorrow.

Don’t go to bed any earlier than usual

Couldn't sleep at all last night. Woke up with a tight knot in stomach. Only means one thing – A level results eve. pic.twitter.com/17yKez9uBK

— Kirsty B📖 (@_krogg) August 14, 2019

Out of all the most commonly ignored sleep tips to implement when stressed, going to bed super early takes the crown.

According to James, going to sleep earlier than your normal bedtime will do more harm than good. He said: “Going to bed earlier doesn’t mean you fall asleep any earlier, actually it’s the opposite, and gives you more time to worry about tomorrow, raise your heart rate and make sleep more difficult.”

Relax, it’ll be fine: Jeremy Clarkson got two Cs and a U and he’s eating truffles right now on a yacht in Mykonos.

Let your mind wander, not wonder

Me trying to get a good nights sleeps but remembering it’s A-level results day #alevelresults2021 pic.twitter.com/OJlhOKZVcX

— 𝓚🧚🏾✨ (@Sh3IsK1ng) August 10, 2021

James argues that the aim of the game is to “let your mind wander, not wonder.”

He explains: “If you are not asleep within 30 minutes of going to bed, you may need to reset your mind – so let your mind wander, not wonder.”

This might be where a bit of distraction comes in handy: “Listen to something, like a spoken word book you have already read, podcasts, meditation apps, or your favourite songs. Don’t just lay there, as you could be there for hours.”

Avoid doom scrolling

Every Year 13 last night getting max 3 hours sleep. I never knew some body parts sweat but there we go. #ALevelResults #ResultsDay2022 pic.twitter.com/O3hMwS4F3P

— Tom (@tommtthw) August 18, 2022

While it might be tempting to scroll forever if sleep is evading you, this is the very worst thing you can do. Remember, you need to let your mind wander.

James says: “You should aim to turn off screens an hour before bedtime – social media stimulates the brain and can cause anxious thoughts or feelings, preventing you from getting to sleep.”

What about TV?

Nice try. Here are James’ golden rules for TV before bed: “If indulging in your latest binge-watch is a must in your wind-down routine, you can still do this but exercise caution.”

So basically, do not watch TV from your bed and do not watch anything suspenseful that might keep your mind on edge.

He added: “For me, I would generally steer clear of this kind of content and simply keep it: Funny (your favourite sitcom), repetitive (such as The Great British Bake Off – they are going to make a cake) and trashy (watch Love Island and revel in the sun and sniping).”

Regardless of what happen’s tomorrow, you can definitely give yourself the best chance of a good night’s sleep by following these tips. Good luck!

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