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Is it normal to be awake at night?

Yes. Being awake at night is far more common than most people admit. Many adults lie awake some nights, and some stay up late most nights. It can happen because of stress, a busy mind, a body that feels restless, a shift that runs through the night, or simply because the house has gone quiet and the day's noise has stopped.

Common reasons people are awake at night

  • Stress and worry. The quiet makes it easier for thoughts to get loud.
  • Irregular routines. Night shifts, travel, or a sleep schedule that moves around all make it harder to settle.
  • Screens and light. Bright screens late in the evening can push back the body's sleep signals.
  • Caffeine, alcohol, or a heavy meal close to bedtime.
  • Low mood or loneliness. Night can make people feel more alone than they are.
  • Insomnia. Trouble falling or staying asleep is one of the most common sleep problems, and it is common in the general population.

When it is worth talking to a doctor

Occasional nights awake are usually nothing to worry about. It is worth speaking to a doctor if you have trouble sleeping most nights for several weeks, if you feel exhausted during the day, if sleep problems affect your work or your safety, or if you snore loudly or wake up gasping. A doctor can help you find the cause and a treatment that suits you.

Things that can help tonight

If you are awake now, try to keep the hour calm. Dim the lights, put your phone face down, and breathe slowly, breathing in for four counts and out for six. If your mind is racing, write the worries on paper and tell yourself you can look at them in the morning. If you have been lying in bed for more than twenty minutes, it can help to get up, sit somewhere dim, and go back when you feel sleepy.

You do not have to be alone with it

Many people find that the hardest part of being awake is the feeling that they are the only one. On youstillawake you can see a live map of people who are awake right now, and you can choose to say hi or start an anonymous text chat with another adult who is open to talk. There are no accounts and no names, and chats end on their own.

See who else is awake

Related reading: Can't sleep? You're not alone, Awake at 3am, and Feeling lonely at night.

If you feel unsafe or very low

If being awake comes with thoughts of hurting yourself, or you feel you cannot cope, please contact your local emergency number or a trusted person now. Our support page has more steps to take right away.

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