How to fall asleep after a scary movie marathon – 5 expert tips for Halloween

Ghosts and ghouls can be scary, but let’s be honest; There are few things worse than sleep deprivation. When Halloween knocks on the door, many of us plan to spend the evening enjoying the most terrifying films we can find, and then spend the night lying awake, keeping a close eye on the shadows.

We love horror movies here at Tom’s Guide and have plenty of suggestions for a horror movie marathon (check out our Trick or flow hub of our favorite scary movies). But we also love a good night’s sleep, and it’s hard to fall asleep when your body is locked into fight-or-flight mode.

That’s why we asked an expert how to sleep well after a ghost movie. These tips are easy to follow (even if your hands are shaking) and will help you get a scarily good night’s sleep.

Why is it difficult to fall asleep after watching scary movies?

Scary movies make your body feel threatened, and it responds by increasing levels of cortisol and adrenaline. These high-alert hormones provide the quick reactions you’ll need if you’re truly in danger, as well as the gut-wrenching, bone-chilling thrill of good horror.

“The sight of terror activates fight-or-flight mode, increasing adrenaline levels and raising the heart rate as if the danger was real,” explains Dr. Alexandra Streinerpsychologist and sleep deprivation specialist. “Such an answer makes it difficult to calm down, although the threat is imaginary.”

Woman awake in bed

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And even after the loans have matured, this fear may persist. “The stress hormone cortisol tends to remain high even after watching a horror movie, making it difficult for the body to calm down. These effects stimulate the mind and make it difficult to fall asleep.”

Plus, few of us can simply shake off the stress caused by watching a horror movie. “Visual memories from horror movies can play in our heads, causing us to pay attention to sounds and images that look more threatening in the dark,” says Dr. Streiner. “Stimuli from horror films can have an unconscious impact, creeping into our dreams and potentially leading to nightmares that can disrupt our sleep.”

5 Ways to Sleep Better After a Scary Movie Marathon

When planning your horror movie marathon viewing order, keep these tips in mind to add a good night’s sleep to your list.

1. Choose the right snacks

Popcorn, Halloween candy, sodas—they may seem like a good addition to your movie marathon, but they will make your poor sleep worse. “Certain snacks can make it difficult to relax after a movie marathon, especially if they contain a lot of sugar, caffeine, or certain fats,” advises Dr. Streiner.

“Candy and other sugary snacks cause spikes in blood sugar that provide a quick rush of energy, leading to a crash that later disrupts energy levels,” explains Dr. Streiner. “Another type of snack to avoid is fatty or heavy foods, such as oily popcorn or pizza, which can upset your stomach.”

Tart cherry juice poured into a transparent glass

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Of course, it’s not a movie marathon without snacks, but shake up the menu with cocktail for a sleepy girl and several pumpkin seeds. Dr. Streiner recommends “sleep-promoting snacks, such as almonds, whole grain crackers, or a banana. These options will not give you energy; some even contain tryptophan or magnesium, which can help you feel naturally drowsy as you fall asleep.” “

2. End the marathon with a comfortable show.

At the end of a horror movie marathon, don’t turn off the TV and go straight to bed. Instead, Dr. Streiner recommends spending “a few minutes reading or watching a funny TV show and letting go of any worries or scary visions you may be holding on to.”

In this case, laughter really is the best medicine: it is difficult to be scared during a speech. Choose a show that always makes you smile. Even if it’s a low-budget, bad-good horror movie that’s too funny to be scary, or parent-approved horror, no nightmares.

“Distraction can be helpful. Try reading a book, watching a comedy, or talking to a friend. Redirecting your attention to something playful can eliminate anxious thoughts and reset your mind,” says Dr. Streiner.

3. Talk about it to rationalize your fears.

Broadcast of a scary movie marathon can have you checking every locked room for ax murderers, even though deep down you know your linen closet is not harboring a fugitive. But try telling your adrenaline levels that there is nothing to be afraid of.

Well, that’s exactly what this advice means – discuss the problem. Analyzing the film can help you realize how unlikely it is that Horror will happen to you. And destroying mise-en-scène can transform this horror from “real life fear” to “screen scene”.

Tom's Guide mattress testers sit on the Helix Midnight Elite mattress in a luxury bedroom.

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And you can apply this trick outside of the movie itself. “Using cognitive tools to restructure your thoughts can be helpful; for example, if you find yourself interpreting shadows or sounds in your home as danger, try to come up with alternative, positive (even humorous) or neutral explanations,” says Dr. Streiner. .

4. Turn your room into a sanctuary

Your bedroom should be a safe place, so take the necessary steps to create a feeling of security. “Make your bedroom cozy with candles, blankets, or calming scents such as lavender or chamomile,” says Dr. Streiner. “All of these can combine to reduce anxiety and make you feel relaxed and secure again.”

If you’re a little wary of the dark, Dr. Streiner says you can turn on the light. “Light that is not too bright or distracting, such as from a small bedside lamp, can make you feel safe. This dimness can also reduce stress by reducing shadows, making the room safer and more comfortable.”

And keep your movie marathon on the couch—don’t climb into bed with The Best Netflix Horror Movies . Otherwise, you may find it difficult to let go of the association between “fear” and “bed.”

5. Practice calming breathing.

Breathing techniques for sleep can calm the body and mind, making them ideal for relaxing after watching a horror movie. “Practice deep, controlled breaths to remind your body that it is safe and time to relax,” says Dr. Streiner.

“There are also progressive muscle relaxationstretching and relaxing each muscle as it slowly relaxes, effectively reducing body tension.” moon breath And method 4-7-8.

Close-up of a woman's face practicing alternate nostril breathing.

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When using one of these techniques, focus on a steady rhythm of breathing. Allow the calming movement to ease anxious thoughts and try to maintain that headspace as you get back into bed.

Other tips for a good night’s sleep

A marathon of scary movies isn’t the only reason you might have trouble falling asleep (especially if clock changes affecting sleep). If you want to improve your overall sleep hygieneHere are some tips to follow.

Invest in the right mattress: best mattress for your sleep style can help you fall asleep and stay asleep. And if you often experience night sweats (due to anxiety, whether scary movies or not), consider one of best cooling mattresses. We expect scary good sales in the near future. Black Friday Mattress Deals.
Avoid stimulating media: Halloween fright may be a rare exception to this rule, but for the most part, avoid watching or reading anything that gets your blood pumping before bed. Instead, try a soothing bath and some soothing music.
Get plenty of sunlight in the morning: It’s more than just a way to keep shadows at bay: early morning sunlight helps trigger circadian rhythms. This is especially useful because the morning gets darker.
Stick to the same bedtime and morning wake-up time: Even if you find it difficult to sleep after a marathon of scary movies, try wake up at normal time the next day – the next evening it will be much easier for you to fall asleep.