How a Sleep Log Can Help You Understand—and Improve—Your Sleep

Keeping a sleep log is one of the most useful steps you can take to improve your sleep. It’s a simple way to track when and how you sleep, so you can begin to see patterns and discover what might be getting in the way of better rest.

A sleep log is especially helpful if:

  • You’re not sure how much sleep you’re really getting

  • You wake up feeling tired and don’t know why

  • You want to track the effects of changes to your routine (like less caffeine or a new bedtime)

  • You’re using techniques like CBT-I and need to follow progress over time

A typical sleep log helps you record:

  • What time you went to bed and woke up

  • How long it took to fall asleep

  • How many times you woke up during the night

  • How rested you felt in the morning

  • Any naps, medications, or unusual events

Video: How to Use a Sleep Log to Learn About Your Sleep

It’s not about being perfect—it’s about being curious. Over a few days or weeks, you’ll begin to notice helpful insights, such as:

  • “I sleep better when I stop using my phone an hour before bed.”

  • “My sleep is worse after afternoon naps or late dinners.”

  • “Even though I feel like I didn’t sleep, I’m actually getting more than I thought.”

You can use paper, an app, or our built-in sleep tracker to keep your log. What matters most is being consistent and honest with yourself.

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