💭 Why stress keeps you up at night

Wednesday 7/15 Afternoon Dedicated: Sponsored by Apollo Neuro

Author

Lauren Lagasse
July 15, 2026

Welcome to Wednesday Afternoon! Today, we're chatting about:

  • What stress actually does to your sleep

  • The bedtime routine for your nervous system

What Stress Actually Does to Your Sleep

Stress and sleep have a complicated relationship. When you're overwhelmed, your brain stays active long after you've turned the lights off, making it harder to fall asleep and easier to wake up throughout the night. It also triggers a rise in cortisol, your body's stress hormone, which keeps you in a heightened state when you should be winding down.

A few small changes to your evening can make a real difference. Writing down your thoughts before bed gets the mental noise out of your head. Cutting screens an hour before sleep helps too, since blue light disrupts melatonin production. And keeping a consistent wake time, even on weekends, helps regulate your internal clock so falling asleep starts to feel easier. If things don't improve, it's worth talking to a doctor rather than relying on supplements long term.

Your Nervous System Needs A Bedtime Routine Too

When we think about self-care, we often focus on what we do. But sometimes the most important thing is giving your nervous system a chance to recover.

Chronic stress can make it harder to unwind, fall asleep, and stay asleep, creating a cycle that affects everything from mood and energy to focus and resilience.

Apollo is a wearable designed to help interrupt that cycle. Using gentle, scientifically developed vibrations that signal safety to the nervous system, Apollo helps support the body's natural ability to relax.

Research has shown that regular use can help reduce stress, improve sleep quality, and support heart rate variability, a key measure of recovery and resilience.

Because restorative sleep is foundational to physical and mental well-being, supporting your nervous system before bed may be one of the most impactful self-care habits you can build. Small, consistent changes can lead to meaningful improvements, making better sleep an investment in how you feel every day.

Use code NOTETOSELF for $99 off Apollo + SmartVibes, for a limited time only.

Thank you to Apollo for sponsoring Note To Self. 

Why We Love It

  • Supports the part of rest we often overlook: Apollo focuses on helping the nervous system settle, which can make winding down feel less forced.

  • A gentle addition to bedtime: Instead of adding another screen, supplement, or complicated routine, it uses subtle vibrations designed to help signal safety to the body.

  • Helpful for stress-heavy seasons: When your mind feels wired but your body is tired, nervous system support can be a practical place to start.

  • Built for consistency: Regular use is designed to support sleep quality, stress levels, and heart rate variability over time.

  • Easy to try with a limited-time offer: Note To Self readers can use code NOTETOSELF for $99 off Apollo + SmartVibes.

Ready to help your body wind down? See how Apollo works.

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Know of a great self-care tip or article you'd love to share with the community? Want to send us pictures of you completing one of your self-care rituals? Email us at [email protected]!