Why do I always fall asleep during movies?
(Spoiler: That drowsy, sleep-deprived feeling doesn’t mean you’re bored.)
and youre not alone.
Falling asleep during a movie is a natural, but frustrating experience.
We worked with sleep expertW.
(Spoiler: Its all about ambience, good company, and quality snacks.)
a trauma-informed, LGBTQ+-affirming therapist who works with teens and adults experiencing anxiety and OCD in NY and NJ
Why do we fall asleep while watching movies?
Not everyone falls asleep during movies.
In fact, some people can endure all-night marathons without a problem.
(Though, we do recommend sleep and bathroom breaks if this is you!)
Together, these factors create a pretty ideal sleeping environment.
Comfort and familiarity also play a key role in determining whether youre likely to fall asleep during a movie.
Do people fall asleep when they are bored?
Peoplecanfall asleep when theyre bored, but this isnt a direct cause and effect.
…There needs to be an underlying degree of sleepiness present as well, says Winter.
a trauma-informed, LGBTQ+-affirming therapist who works with teens and adults experiencing anxiety and OCD in NY and NJ
Just being bored is not enough.
A 2018 study published onScienceDirectmonitored participants who read one interesting story and one boring story in varying sequences.
Winter agrees, noting that the constant activity will be helpful.
Even dimming the lights, rather than fully turning them off, could potentially keep you from dozing off.
While it might be tempting to recline, try your best to sit upright as you watch your movie.
Its Amazing How Its All Connected.
Set yourself up for success by letting the plot unfold in real-time.
(Its possible to find the newness in a repeat watchit might just take some extra effort.)
Its a low-risk, high-reward way to spend time with people you love.
Alcohol is a depressant, which means that it slows down the nervous system.
Sticking to your usual schedule may motivate your brain to stay awake until its truly bedtime.
Are women more likely to fall asleep during movies?
There isnt enough substantial research to argue that women are more likely to fall asleep during movies.
Winter suggests standing and stretching between movies and trying to get outside and find some sunlight between watches.
This will inhibit melatonin secretion that will make you sleepy, says Winter.
Also, remember that self-compassion is key.
Not every movie is for everyone, and thats okay!
Santhi, Nayantara, and Danny M. Ball.
Chapter 2 Applications in Sleep: How Light Affects Sleep.ScienceDirect,Elsevier, 1 Jan. 2020. www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0079612320300716.
Danckert, James, et al.
Boredom: Under-aroused and restless.ScienceDirect.
Consciousness and Cognition,vol.
61, May 2018, Pages 24-37. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S105381001730569X#s0090
Gardiner, Carissa, et al.
The effect of caffeine on subsequent sleep: A systematic review and meta-analysis.ScienceDirect.
Sleep Medicine Reviews, vol.
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