Home LivingWellnessSleepFalling asleep too quickly or slowly is bad for you, reveals sleep expertsHow long should it really take you to fall asleep?When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
Home LivingWellnessSleepFalling asleep too quickly or slowly is bad for you, reveals sleep expertsHow long should it really take you to fall asleep?When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
How long should it really take you to fall asleep?
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Cottonbro Studio / Pexels)
(Image credit: Cottonbro Studio / Pexels)
Getting a good night’s sleep is extremely important, as it helps your body and mind rest, recover and prepare for the next day. But the right sleep quality and quantity all starts with falling asleep, which some people find easy whereas others find hard.
On some nights, you might jump onto yourbest mattressand you’re asleep in seconds, whereas other nights, you’re left staring at the ceiling and desperately rifling through the latestTikTok sleep hacksto drift off. Surprisingly, neither of these ways to fall asleep are good for you, as it turns out falling asleep too quickly or too slowly can be a “symptom of a larger problem”, according to sleep experts atThe HuffPost.
The duration it takes for each individual to fall asleep is completely unique, but if you’re falling asleep in seconds or taking up to an hour, this can lead to bigger problems. So, how long should itreallytake you to fall asleep?
How long should it take you to fall asleep?
The quick answer to this question is it should take you between 15 - 20 minutes to fall asleep. While it varies from person to person, this duration gives your mind and body enough time to wind down from the day and prepare to sleep through the night. However, 15 - 20 minutes is the average amount of time it should take a healthy person to fall asleep, but for those who have certain health conditions or sleep problems, it could take longer.
(Image credit: Polina Kovaleva / Pexels)
(Image credit: Polina Kovaleva / Pexels)
With this timing in mind, it’s important to look at why you might be falling asleep too fast or too slow. For the former, the answer is quite simple: you’re sleep deprived. Falling asleep too quickly is a sign that you’re not getting enough sleep and that you’re exhausted or feeling burnt out.
There are many more reasons why you might be taking longer than 20 minutes to fall asleep. For example, you might have a bad nighttime routine that isn’t working for you or you’ve had caffeine, alcohol or other stimulants too late in the day. Other reasons may include that you’re feeling stressed or you experience insomnia.
5 ways to fall asleep effectively
To help you wind down properly and fall asleep effectively, you need to stick to therules of good sleep hygiene. Sticking to aconsistent bedtime routinecan help your mind and body recognise that it’s time to go to sleep and will encourage the natural process of feeling tired and relaxed.
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
Stimulants can keep you awake for longer, soavoid electronics and caffeinetoo close to bedtime. Theblue lightemitted from phones, laptops and TVs can signal to your brain that it’s time to be awake, which will make you feel alert rather than sleepy.
(Image credit: fizkes / iStock)
(Image credit: fizkes / iStock)
Exercising regularlyhas a positive effect on your sleep, as it encourages your body to recover, and it can help relieve any stress or negative emotions which might keep you awake longer. Once you enter your bedroom, it’s important tocreate a cosy sleep environment, with comfortable pillows and blankets, mood-setting music and calming scents.
Finally, and most importantly,if you’re taking too long to fall asleep,get out of bed. Doctors suggest that getting out of bed and moving to a different part of the house until you feel sleepy again can break the association between your bed and feelings of restlessness. Once you feel tired, head back to your bedroom.
Today’s best Mattresses deals$139View$199$159View$178.60ViewShow More DealsWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best Mattresses deals$139View$199$159View$178.60ViewShow More DealsWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best Mattresses deals
$139View$199$159View$178.60View
$139View
$139View
$139View
$139
$139
$199$159View
$199$159View
$199$159View
$199$159
$159
$178.60View
$178.60View
$178.60View
$178.60
$178.60
Show More Deals
Show More Deals
We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
This E Ink notebook can replace your Kindle and Chromebook in oneBOOX’s new E Ink tablet can turn into an Android-powered laptop too
BOOX’s new E Ink tablet can turn into an Android-powered laptop too
Sky Stream gets a great new trick that unlocks long hidden potentialA Sky Stream puck update gives you a host of new channels
A Sky Stream puck update gives you a host of new channels
Hatch’s latest sunrise alarm clock finally has a phone-free design – and I’m obsessedHatch launches the Restore 3 wake-up light and it could drastically improve your mornings
Hatch launches the Restore 3 wake-up light and it could drastically improve your mornings
This ERA mattress topper can turn your mattress into a smart sleep tracking deviceThe ERA Smart Layer is my favourite wellness product from CES 2025
The ERA Smart Layer is my favourite wellness product from CES 2025
Withings’ smart mirror combines a smartwatch and scales into a full-length health scannerWithings debuts new conceptual smart health mirror at CES 2025
Withings debuts new conceptual smart health mirror at CES 2025
6 gadgets to get you through Dry JanuaryWith Christmas and New Year out of the way, we take a look at some of the best gadgets to use for Dry January
With Christmas and New Year out of the way, we take a look at some of the best gadgets to use for Dry January
This pillow flip sleep hack can help you beat Christmas insomnia – and it takes secondsIf you love the cold side of the pillow, you’ll love this quick sleep hack
If you love the cold side of the pillow, you’ll love this quick sleep hack
Therabody SleepMask review: soothing vibrations that send you to sleepTherabody’s new SleepMask promises a good night’s sleep – but does it work?
Therabody’s new SleepMask promises a good night’s sleep – but does it work?
I spent 24 hours with the new Loop Switch 2 earplugs – here’s my honest takeFrom fun to focus to calm…I tried them in every scenario
From fun to focus to calm…I tried them in every scenario
Sleep expert reveals why you should never nap for longer than 10 minutesThe answer will shock you
The answer will shock you
