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Sleep

Compare routines that may support circadian timing, sleep consistency, and calmer evenings, from morning light exposure to pre-bed habits.

Protocols

16

Avg. Evidence

4.1/5

Free

11

Beginner

13

Intermediate

3

Advanced

0

Sleep Protocols

16 of 16

Wellness education only. Review each protocol's caveats, contraindications, and source notes before changing your routine.

beginner
Free

Morning Sunlight Exposure

Use outdoor morning light within 60 minutes of waking as a practical cue that may help anchor circadian timing and a consistent morning routine.

EvidenceVery Strong
10-30 min/day1-2 weeks1 source3 caveats

Caveat for Morning Sunlight Exposure: Review first: Photosensitivity conditions

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beginner
Free

Sleep Temperature Optimization

Try a cooler bedroom and a warm pre-bed shower as adjustable sleep-environment cues, then track comfort and sleep timing for a week.

EvidenceVery Strong
5 min setup1 week1 source
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intermediate
Free

Consistent Wake Time

Set one wake time and stick to it 7 days/week. This anchors your entire circadian system more reliably than any other single habit.

EvidenceVery Strong
0 min (behavioral)2-4 weeks1 source1 caveat

Caveat for Consistent Wake Time: Review first: Shift workers may need adapted approach

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beginner
Free

Caffeine Curfew

Set a personal caffeine curfew, audit hidden sources, and track sleep timing or next-day energy for 1-2 weeks.

EvidenceVery Strong
0 min (behavioral)1-2 weeks1 source5 caveats

Caveat for Caffeine Curfew: Review first: Pregnancy or breastfeeding

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beginner

Blue Light Reduction

Dim lights and avoid screens 2-3 hours before bed to protect melatonin production. Use warm/amber lighting and blue-light blocking glasses if screen use is unavoidable.

EvidenceStrong
2-3 hours/evening1-2 weeks1 source
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beginner

Glycine for Sleep Quality

Optional 3g bedtime glycine experiment with subjective sleep and next-day fatigue tracking; review caveats before adding it to a routine.

EvidenceStrong
2 min/day1-2 weeks1 source1 caveat

Caveat for Glycine for Sleep Quality: Review first: Clozapine users (glycine may interact)

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beginner

Sleep Hygiene Checklist

The complete sleep environment and behavior checklist. Combine darkness, cool temperature, consistency, and a wind-down routine for best results.

EvidenceStrong
30-60 min/evening2-4 weeks1 source
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beginner
Free

Consistent Sleep-Wake Schedule

Keep wake time and bedtime within about 30-60 minutes day to day. Regular timing strengthens circadian cues and reduces the physiological cost of social jet lag.

EvidenceStrong
Daily schedule planning2-4 weeks2 sources2 caveats

Caveat for Consistent Sleep-Wake Schedule: Review first: Shift work or caregiving demands may require a modified version

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beginner
Free

Consistent Wake Time Anchor

Keep wake time within a 30-minute window every day to stabilize circadian timing before optimizing bedtime.

EvidenceStrong
5 min setup2 weeks1 source
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beginner
Free

Two-Week Sleep Diary

Use a simple daily sleep diary to identify sleep timing, caffeine, alcohol, naps, and wakefulness patterns.

EvidenceStrong
3 min/day2 weeks1 source
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beginner
Free

Caffeine Curfew Audit

Move caffeine earlier and test a personal cutoff, starting at least 8 hours before bedtime for sensitive sleepers.

EvidenceStrong
1 min/day10 days1 source2 caveats

Caveat for Caffeine Curfew Audit: Review first: Caffeine withdrawal headaches

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intermediate
Free

Stimulus Control Reset

Rebuild the bed as a cue for sleep by leaving bed during prolonged wakefulness and returning only when sleepy.

EvidenceStrong
As needed2-4 weeks1 source2 caveats

Caveat for Stimulus Control Reset: Review first: Severe sleep restriction

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intermediate
Free

Jet Lag Light Plan

Use destination-timed light, darkness, and optional melatonin planning to shift faster across time zones.

EvidenceStrong
10 min planning3-5 days1 source4 caveats

Caveat for Jet Lag Light Plan: Review first: Pregnancy

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beginner

Magnesium Threonate for Sleep

Take 200mg elemental magnesium as L-threonate before bed. This form uniquely crosses the blood-brain barrier, supporting GABA activity and sleep depth.

EvidenceModerate
2 min/day2-4 weeks1 source2 caveats

Caveat for Magnesium Threonate for Sleep: Review first: Kidney disease

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beginner

Tart Cherry Juice for Sleep

Tart cherry juice is a natural source of melatonin and tryptophan-sparing compounds. Clinical trials show it increases sleep time by ~84 minutes in adults with insomnia.

EvidenceModerate
5 min/day2 weeks1 source3 caveats

Caveat for Tart Cherry Juice for Sleep: Review first: Diabetes or blood sugar regulation issues (high sugar content)

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beginner
Free

Nap Timing Guardrail

Use short early-afternoon naps without letting late or long naps erode nighttime sleep pressure.

EvidenceModerate
10-25 min1 week1 source
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