How long should it take to fall asleep?

Most healthy people fall asleep within about 15 to 20 minutes of lying down. Falling asleep within just a few minutes is not always a good sign, because it can point to sleep deprivation. Taking much longer than 20 minutes on a regular basis may suggest insomnia or another factor that is getting in the way.

Things that can stretch out the time it takes to fall asleep include insomnia, a body clock that runs late, stress or other mental health conditions, side effects from some medications, and habits such as late caffeine or screens in bed.

A slow night now and then is normal. What matters is the pattern. Try a steady schedule, a calm wind-down and a cool, dark room, and see whether things settle over a few weeks.

Contact a healthcare provider if trouble falling asleep significantly interferes with your daily activities, or if you feel drowsy in the daytime even though you get eight or more hours of sleep. Do not stop or change a medication on your own, even if you suspect it is the cause. Ask your doctor first.

Source: Sleep Foundation - How Long Should It Take to Fall Asleep?

Read more on noddienight.com

• Sleep guide

Related questions

• Is it normal to wake up during the night?
• Why does stress keep me awake at night?
• Why do I wake up at the same time every night?
• How much sleep do adults need?
• Should I look at the clock when I wake up at night?
• What is the difference between trouble falling asleep and trouble staying asleep?

All night waking & falling asleep questions · All 100 questions