How to Stop Falling Asleep on the Couch During Movies – WIRED
I’ve watched the first half of a billion movies. This is how a typical movie night goes for me: After eating too many fries from Rocketbird and washing it down with a couple of beers, I’m swaddled in a plush blanket, horizontal on the couch, and zonked out long before Michelle Yeoh reaches the hotdog finger scene in Everything Everywhere All at Once.
Maybe your schedule is hectic, but you still want to catch every twist and turn in the Glass Onion movie. Or perhaps your significant other’s date-night selection seems like a snoozefest, and you’re attempting to roll credits on Morbius. Whatever your reason is to stay awake, keep the following advice in mind the next time you’re streaming something at home.
Save the Hard Drinks for Another Night
That six-pack of beer may need to spend another evening chilling in the fridge if you’re dedicated to not dozing off during movie night. Aric Prather, a professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at UC San Francisco, points out the soporific effects of alcohol. “If you have that extra glass of wine while you’re watching a movie at night, and you’re not moving, and you’re sleepy?” he says. “Wow, it better be a thriller to keep you awake.”
Instead of Takeout, Try Charcuterie for Dinner
OK, so I’m now sipping on a whiskey and Coke (hold the whiskey). What about my takeout? A big, greasy pizza or a delicious mountain of Indian food is probably not ideal if you want to keep those eyes open. “Your body does have this relaxation response that can happen after eating a large meal,” says Brittney Jones, a psychologist who is an insomnia specialist at a telehealth company called DrLullaby. “So, I would say to opt for something smaller, whether it’s a snack or a small meal, like a charcuterie board.” It’s a fantastic suggestion, although she’s clearly never seen just how much cheese and crackers I can put back while devouring a charcuterie board.
Your Couch Could Be a Little Too Cozy
If you enjoy taking naps on the same couch where you’re trying to watch a movie, your body may be trained to recognize the location as a prime spot to power down. “A person might want to watch it at their partner’s house or a friend’s house instead. Or sit in a chair that’s not as comfy in your living room instead of the comfy couch,” says Jones.
Your Bed Is Definitely Too Cozy
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