Can't fall asleep even with your eyes closed—does that count as staying up late?


In today’s fast-paced modern society, the pressures of work and daily life leave many people struggling with insomnia. Late at night, lying in bed, they toss and turn, unable to fall asleep—only to feel even more anxious when they realize they’ll have to head to work the next day. But here’s the question: If we keep our eyes closed but still can’t drift off, does that technically count as staying up late?


 

 

According to the "Sleep Medicine Terminology," officially approved and released in June 2022 by the National Committee for the Review of Scientific and Technical Terms, sleep is defined as a natural, recurring physiological state characterized by the temporary cessation of voluntary, conscious activities and diminished responsiveness to external environmental stimuli. Yet sleep is far more than just a way to restore physical energy—it also serves to give the brain much-needed rest. In this light, lying awake with your eyes closed but unable to fall asleep would technically count as staying up late.


 

 

In real life, many people turn to their phones when they can’t sleep, believing that eye fatigue from screen time might help them drift off. But does actively staying up late to scroll through your phone actually make it easier to fall asleep than simply lying in bed with your eyes closed?

 

In fact, scrolling through your phone before bed can make it harder to fall asleep. The bright light emitted by your phone screen stimulates the brain and interferes with the body’s natural production of melatonin—a hormone that helps regulate sleep—and ultimately keeps you wide awake. On the other hand, lying in bed with your eyes closed, even if you’re not yet asleep, allows your body to naturally release melatonin in response to the quiet, dark environment, promoting better rest. Compared to staying up late while glued to your phone, this simple act of closing your eyes has a much milder impact on your ability to drift off into sleep.


 

 

Relaxation is a crucial prerequisite for sleep, encompassing both mental and physical ease. Some people fall into the trap of psychological self-suggestion when trying to sleep— the more they focus on not being able to fall asleep, the harder it becomes, which in turn fuels anxiety and creates a vicious cycle. To drift off peacefully, it’s essential to calm your mind; listening to soothing music before bed can help distract your thoughts, ease nervous tension, and promote better sleep. Beyond your environment and mindset, your bedding choices also play a significant role in shaping the quality of your rest.


 

 

Easier turning, better health. An adult typically experiences over ten unconscious body shifts during a single night of sleep. If your mattress is too soft, it becomes difficult to turn over, forcing you to stay in one position for hours—leaving you feeling uncomfortable, no doubt! Opt for the easy-to-turn Double Mattress, designed to help you effortlessly adjust your sleeping position throughout the night, ultimately enhancing your sleep quality.