How to sleep soundly during your job search

As you search for jobs, it can be difficult to remember to put yourself first throughout the process. It should come as no surprise that getting a full night of sleep during your job hunt is essential to being mentally prepared for tough questions and showing an interviewer your authentic self. 

Getting a full night of sleep is easier said than done, though, especially when you have a big interview for your dream job coming up. In this post, we have listed some tips for how to improve your sleep for good so you can crush your interviews.

What Causes Sleepless Nights?

Trying to find a job is difficult when sleepless nights seem like the norm. In the job search process, high levels of anxiety and stress can cause insomnia. Meanwhile, you may try to prepare for an interview by increasing your energy levels through caffeinated beverages like coffee or soda. These can all come back to bite you when you find yourself tossing and turning at night.

If you are searching for a job fresh out of college, it’s likely that you are still living with roommates. They may keep you up with loud music, guests, and invites to go out. Although it’s nice to treat yourself every now and then to relieve stress, make sure you don’t make it a habit—it can ultimately mess with your sleep schedule.

Sleeping Well During Your Job Hunt

If we’re being honest, job searching causes a lot of stress and burnout. There’s no better feeling than finally nailing your job interview and getting the offer letter. But in order to show your best self to your

potential employers, you have to be on your A-game. Thankfully, a long night of rest can get you there. 

4 Steps To Achieve Better Sleep:

1. Create a Daytime Routine

Creating a routine during your day can help you get better sleep at night. If you’re in the interview process, try to schedule all of your interviews and appointments for a specific time so you can have a structure to your day—even if you don’t have a job. 

Set an alarm so you can wake up at a similar time every day. This will help balance your circadian rhythm and give you a structured sleep schedule. Exercising and getting enough sunlight throughout the day can also benefit your sleep cycle. 

Don’t forget to eat a healthy meal before bed. Stomach problems can keep you up and add to the anxiety that surrounds a job hunt.

2. Upgrade Your Sleep Environment

Your bedroom should be a place that encourages relaxation and mental peace. You can customize your sleep environment to be a place of comfort that suits your needs. Do you sleep better with white noise? Try a rain machine. Block out street lights with room-darkening shades, or keep the windows open if hearing cars drive by brings you peace. 

Limit your exposure to blue and white light from televisions and phones before shutting your eyes. Leaving clutter by your bedside may also add to your anxiety without you even realizing it. A cluttered floor can bring a cluttered mind.

3. Practice Good Sleep Hygiene

Creating a schedule of good sleep habits may sound intimidating, but it’s as simple as reading a book, enjoying a relaxing meditation, or turning off your screens before closing your eyes. 

By winding down your day with relaxing activities, you can center yourself for the day ahead. Some might practice meditation by using self-affirmations, and go over what questions to ask your interviewer.

4. Know How To Fight Insomnia

Fighting insomnia isn’t as easy as writing a strong resume. It’s important to be aware of both your mental and emotional state to get a good night’s sleep. If your body feels restless from intense exercise during the day, shake your body to burn your excess adrenaline and calm your nervous system or do light stretches to ease you into a state of relaxation.

On the mental side, if your mind is racing and you have pre-interview anxiety, try to journal your thoughts. Letting go of what’s on your mind is a crucial step in achieving better sleep.

Getting a good night of sleep can take your interview scores from average to fantastic. By splurging on a sleep environment where you can practice good sleep hygiene, relax your body and mind, and combat insomnia, you’ll land your dream job in no time.  

—David Timm is a copy editor at Siege Media. He currently lives in Omaha, Nebraska with his partner, two cats, one dog, and eleven fish.