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Impacted sleep from the Mercury retrograde
Are you curious about how the celestial movements during Mercury retrograde might impact your sleep patterns? Look no further! Our online calculator combines astrology and sleep optimisation to help you understand and enhance your sleep during this unique astrological phenomenon.
Aquarians are innovative and forward-thinking individuals. Mercury retrograde might disrupt their plans or create sudden changes, which can lead to a busy mind as they process new information and adapt to the unexpected. This mental activity could interfere with their ability to unwind and sleep peacefully.
To optimise sleep for innovative forward thinkers during Mercury retrograde, sleep expert Sammy Margo recommends the following tips:
“If you have a busy mind before bed, you could keep a journal by your bedside to write down ideas before you go to sleep. Alternatively, speak to a partner, family member or a friend about your plans, so you aren't going to bed thinking about what’s coming up.”
“You can also improve your sleep by using a weighted blanket. The deep touch pressure provided by a weighted blanket can have a calming effect on the nervous system, reducing anxiety and promoting a sense of relaxation, making it easier to unwind and sleep peacefully despite sudden changes or disruptions.”
“As an innovative individual you may love your tech, but to optimise sleep quality, it is best to create a tech-free zone in the bedroom. The blue light emitted by electronic devices like smartphones and laptops may disrupt the production of melatonin, the sleep hormone, and may interfere with sleep patterns too.”
Pisceans are imaginative and deeply connected to their emotions and intuition. During Mercury retrograde, they may experience more intense dreams and emotional processing whilst they sleep. This heightened emotional awareness could impact their sleep quality.
To optimise sleep for imaginative and deeply connected individuals during Mercury retrograde, sleep expert Sammy Margo recommends the following tips:
“If you struggle with intense dreams and emotional processing, you could engage in creative activities like painting or writing poetry before bed, which can help channel imaginative energy and may help to promote a more peaceful slumber.”
“If you are a deeply connected individual, you can improve your sleep by incorporating Pilates into your daily routine. Pilates exercises can help release physical tension and promote a mind-body connection, enhancing emotional well-being and potentially leading to better sleep quality if you experience more intense emotional processing during this period."
"To address heightened emotional awareness and intense dreams, you can practice guided imagery before bedtime. Guided imagery involves visualising calming and positive scenes, helping relax the mind and creating a serene mental space for sleep."
Aries individuals are known for their energy and enthusiasm. During Mercury retrograde, their minds might be racing with ideas and plans, making it difficult for them to quieten their thoughts and relax before bedtime.
To optimise sleep for energetic and enthusiastic people during Mercury retrograde, sleep expert Sammy Margo recommends the following tips:
“If you’re an energetic or enthusiastic person, you could engage in brisk physical activity during the day, like intense exercise or martial arts. This may help you to release excess energy, which can promote a restful night's sleep.”
“If you have bundles of energy during the day, you may find comfort and relaxation by using heated blankets. A heated blanket can help soothe tense muscles and create a cosy atmosphere, making it easier to drift off into a peaceful slumber. But make sure it doesn’t get too hot, particularly during the summer months!”
“Enthusiastic people also tend to find it challenging to quieten their thoughts before bedtime. Especially during the Mercury retrograde, you might benefit from listening to ASMR (Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response). ASMR videos and sounds are designed to trigger a tingling sensation that may promote relaxation and reduce stress.”
Taurus individuals appreciate stability, consistency and routine. Mercury retrograde may disrupt their sense of security, causing them to worry about financial matters or stability in their relationships more than usual. This anxiety could lead to sleep disturbances or difficulty falling asleep.
To optimise sleep for people who like routine during Mercury retrograde, sleep expert Sammy Margo recommends the following tips:
“Incorporating relaxing aromatherapy, such as lavender, can promote a sense of calm and may help you find solace and rest if you feel anxious and insecure. The scent of lavender is known for its calming properties, which may help ease anxiety and promote better sleep.”
“Listening to soothing nature sounds or white noise before bed may also help you unwind and mask any disruptive noises if you are someone who needs consistency and routine.”
“One effective way to unwind and ease the burden of anxiety is to have a calming conversation with someone you trust and feel comfortable sharing your thoughts with before bed. Expressing worries aloud may help anxious people to gain perspective and release the tension, making it easier to calm their minds before going to bed.”
Geminis are ruled by Mercury, so they may be more attuned to its retrograde effects. Their naturally active minds might become even more restless during this period, leading to difficulty in quietening their thoughts before bedtime.
To optimise sleep for active minds during Mercury retrograde, sleep expert Sammy Margo recommends the following tips:
“If you’re a restless individual with an active mind, you could try journalling your thoughts before bed, allowing you to process and release mental clutter.”
“If you often feel restless, you can improve your sleep by eating bananas as a pre-bedtime snack. Bananas are rich in magnesium, potassium, and tryptophan, which may help relax muscles, calm the nervous system, and promote the production of sleep-regulating hormones like serotonin and melatonin."
“Creating a bedtime routine that involves reading or listening to audiobooks could help to distract naturally active minds and may promote a more peaceful sleep.”
Cancerians are deeply sensitive and intuitive individuals. During Mercury retrograde, their emotions might become heightened, potentially leading to more vivid dreams or restless sleep.
To optimise sleep for sensitive souls during Mercury retrograde, sleep expert Sammy Margo recommends the following tips:
"Practise relaxation techniques and create a soothing bedtime ritual that includes things such as taking a warm bath with calming essential oils, like chamomile or ylang-ylang, which may help set you up for a tranquil sleep environment.”
“If you experience vivid dreams, you may be able to improve your sleep by avoiding cheese close to bedtime. Cheese contains the amino acid tyramine, which is believed to be associated with the occurrence of vivid dreams. If you’re a sensitive individual, this could lead to disruptions in sleep, making it beneficial to try and steer clear of cheese before going to bed."
“To complete your calming bedtime routine, you can practice gentle yoga stretches in bed. This may help release tension and promote relaxation, preparing you for a more peaceful sleep experience.”
Leos are known for their confidence and vibrant energy. During Mercury retrograde, potential disruptions in their social and professional lives might create a sense of restlessness or unease that could impact their sleep. It’s important for Leos to prioritise self-care and create a relaxing bedtime routine to unwind and alleviate any anxiety before sleep.
To optimise sleep for vibrant people during Mercury retrograde, sleep expert Sammy Margo recommends the following:
“If you often feel restless and uneasy, you could take part in activities that make you feel pampered, such as a gentle self-massage using essential oils, which may help to create a soothing sleep atmosphere.”
"To enhance sleep quality, you could consider using pink noise, a sound with equal energy per octave. Pink noise can improve deep sleep and stabilise brain activity, leading to better overall sleep, especially during periods of heightened restlessness or unease.”
“When feeling restless, you can optimise your sleep by maintaining a cooler room temperature. Cooler environments facilitate a drop in core body temperature, a natural signal for sleep initiation, which may promote more restful and undisturbed sleep.”
Virgos are known for their attention to detail and tendency of striving for perfectionism. During Mercury retrograde, they may become hyper-aware of potential problems or mistakes, which can increase anxiety and make it challenging for them to relax before bed.
To optimise sleep for perfectionists during Mercury retrograde, sleep expert Sammy Margo recommends the following tips:
“If you’re hyper-vigilant, you should incorporate a wind-down routine that includes relaxation exercises or positive affirmations and manifestation. This may help to shift your focus from worries to positive thoughts, facilitating a calmer mindset for sleep.”
“Incorporating meditation into a wind-down routine can be highly beneficial. Meditation practices have been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, helping quieten hyper-vigilant minds and achieve a more peaceful state conducive to better sleep.”
“To promote a sense of calmness and alleviate anxiety, if you’re a perfectionist you can optimise your sleep by keeping your bedroom tidy and organised. A clutter-free environment may reduce visual distractions and contribute to a clearer, more relaxed mindset before bedtime."
Librans strive for balance and harmony. However, Mercury retrograde can disrupt this equilibrium, causing them to overthink and worry about their relationships or decision-making. This mental preoccupation may interfere with their ability to unwind and achieve restful sleep.
To optimise sleep for those seeking harmony during Mercury retrograde, sleep expert Sammy Margo recommends the following tips:
“If you overthink, you may create a harmonious sleep environment by incorporating soft, pastel-coloured bedding, which is known for providing good emotional support.”
“Playing soothing classical music or gentle sounds of rain may also help to further enhance your sleep atmosphere.”
“Artwork in the bedroom can help create a calming atmosphere needed to promote a good night’s sleep. If you surround yourself with artwork or images that evoke a sense of balance and beauty, this could help.”
Scorpios are deeply introspective and emotionally intense individuals. During Mercury retrograde, they may experience heightened sensitivity and become engrossed in their thoughts and emotions. This depth of introspection could lead to vivid dreams or occasional insomnia.
To optimise sleep for introspective and emotionally intense individuals during Mercury retrograde, sleep expert Sammy Margo recommends the following tips:
“If you’re a reflective individual, you can incorporate calming practices like mindfulness or keeping a dream journal, which may help you to process your emotions and promote better sleep.”
“To address occasional insomnia, you can try drinking tart cherry juice, which is a natural source of melatonin, a hormone that plays a vital role in regulating sleep-wake cycles. It may also help to improve sleep quality and reduce insomnia symptoms.”
“Valerian plants have been used for centuries to address sleep problems, including insomnia. Inhaling the scent of valerian root has been shown to help induce sleep and enhance sleep quality.”
Sagittarians are adventurous and independent. However, Mercury retrograde can disrupt their plans or create unexpected changes, leaving them feeling restless and eager to seek new experiences. This restlessness might make it difficult for them to settle down and sleep deeply.
To optimise sleep for those that are adventurous and independent during Mercury retrograde, sleep expert Sammy Margo recommends the following tips:
“If you’re adventurous or eager, the military sleep method can be helpful. The technique involves relaxing the body and mind by sequentially releasing tension in different muscle groups, promoting a calmer state conducive to better sleep.”
“As an adventure-lover, you could also decorate your sleep space with travel-themed accessories or maps to feed your adventurous spirit which may create a peaceful atmosphere.”
“To optimise sleep, you should avoid consuming caffeine in the afternoon and evening. Caffeine can interfere with the natural sleep-wake cycle and potentially exacerbate feelings of restlessness, making it harder to settle down and achieve deep sleep."
Capricorns are ambitious and focused on their goals. During Mercury retrograde, they may experience heightened anxiety about their career, reputation, or public image. This preoccupation with their professional lives could make it challenging for them to relax and fall asleep.
To optimise sleep for ambitious and focussed individuals during Mercury retrograde, sleep expert Sammy Margo recommends the following tips:
“If you are ambitious and focused, you could establish clear boundaries by creating a dedicated workspace separate from your bedroom.”
“To address heightened anxiety about careers or reputations, you can try using white noise to promote relaxation and better sleep. White noise, like the sound of a fan or a noise machine, may help mask background disturbances and create a soothing sleep environment.”
“If you are anxious about your career or reputation, you may also benefit from diffusing essential oils like sandalwood or cedarwood, which can help to promote relaxation and a deeper sleep.”
Sleep Cycles
The Mercury retrograde is set to occur three times in 2024:
April 1 – April 25
August 5 – August 28
November 25 – December 15
This astrological phenomenon marks a period in which Mercury travels more slowly around the sun than the Earth does, creating the illusion that the planet is moving backwards. Whether the Mercury retrograde falls within your horoscope season or not, it can cause varying effects for different people. In astrology, Mercury is known to represent communication, travel and technology, so expect some mishaps when this planet is in flux.
For more information on how the Mercury retrograde can affect your sleep, as well as some helpful tips to overcome any nighttime disruptions, use our Horoscope Sleep Calculator above. Remember, these suggestions are imaginative and not scientifically proven. The most effective sleep strategies vary from person to person, so it’s important to find what works best for you as an individual.