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Switch off those early morning alarms and treat yourself to a morning of relaxation and peace. Rest and reset your body with our tips for achieving the perfect lie-in.
7 Min Read | By Chris Thomson
Last Modified 18 July 2025 First Added 14 November 2015
Who doesn’t want to stay in bed a bit longer? A cosy lie-in is not just for Sundays. If your body tells you you need more sleep, you should let yourself get that little bit of extra kip, especially if it’s been a long week. However, if you’re one of the 50% of people who regularly wake up before 8 am, sleeping in may not come naturally to you.
We love a lie-in, too, so we’ve done some research, including tips and advice on achieving the perfect lie-in.
Let’s start with the basics. A lie-in, according to Collins Dictionary, is:
If you have a lie-in, you rest by staying in bed later than usual in the morning.
Essentially, if you’re always waking up at 8 am sharp, you may give yourself an extra half hour or more to stay tucked up and cosy. This doesn’t necessarily mean doing nothing – many people enjoy their lie-in with breakfast in bed or may choose to stay in bed and watch a bunch of their favourite shows for a good few hours (sometimes known as bed rotting).
A lie-in isn’t just a luxury; it can be a gentle way to support your overall wellbeing. Allowing yourself extra time in bed occasionally can give your body and mind time to recover from the demands and stress of daily life. Here are a few benefits of having a lie-in:
Are you wondering how to have a lie-in and a peaceful start to your day? Below are some tips to help you have a comfortable lie-in and improve your mood for the day…
The perfect lie-in starts the night before. Wind down with a consistent bedtime routine. Dim the lights, put away screens, and avoid caffeine late in the day. Try a warm bath, a soothing herbal tea, and reading your favourite book. This will signal to your body that it’s time to relax, which can set the stage for a longer, restful sleep.
Read more: How to Create the Perfect Bedtime Routine
Your bed should be an inviting, comfortable space that you want to stay in. Invest in good-quality pillows and a supportive mattress, as these can make all the difference. You should also keep your bedroom clutter-free, dark, and cool to lower your stress levels and keep you cosy. This can encourage a better night’s rest and make spending that extra time under the covers feel like a treat.
If you enjoy screen time in bed, opt for something relaxing and low-stimulation, like one of our sleep-friendly movies or a calming video game. Just be mindful not to overdo it – too much screen time before bed can affect your sleep quality. Try to avoid screens altogether for at least an hour before lying down, as blue light can disrupt your natural sleep cycle.
Soft music, nature sounds, or a calming playlist can all enhance the quality of a lie-in. As you lie down, listen to sounds that help you sleep, such as ASMR or white noise, to soothe you into slumber. Or, as you wake up, choose to listen to music to ease you into the day slowly.
Avoid setting harsh alarms at night, as they can jolt your body awake and disrupt your natural rhythm. Instead, try waking up gently with sunlight by leaving your curtains slightly open. This can help regulate your circadian rhythm and improve sleep quality, mood, and overall well-being. Letting your body wake up naturally may even increase the length and quality of your rest.
Another gentle option is using a sunrise alarm clock (also known as a wake-up light). These stylish lights simulate a natural sunrise by gradually introducing soft light before your alarm sounds, making for a much calmer start to the day.
It’s tempting to grab your phone or tablet the moment you wake up – we’ve all been there. But during your lie-in, try giving yourself a little break from screens. Scrolling through emails or social media right away can send your brain into overdrive, triggering stress when you’re meant to be easing into the day. Instead, enjoy a few tech-free moments just for yourself.
A slow stretch or light meditation in bed can gently wake up your body while keeping your mind calm. Try lying on your back and stretching your arms overhead, rolling your shoulders, or doing breathing exercises. These simple habits can bring mindfulness into your morning and help you start the day on a positive note, setting clear intentions as the day unfolds.
Related: Why Does Stretching Feel So Good In The Morning?
Lie-ins are all about luxury, so why not make yours extra special? Treat yourself to a light breakfast in bed – whether it’s a buttery croissant, fresh fruit with yoghurt, or your favourite mug of tea or coffee. It’s a simple way to make your morning feel even more soothing. Need a little inspiration? Explore our favourite breakfast-in-bed ideas.
As wonderful as a lie-in can be, setting a gentle limit for when you’ll get up can help you make the most of your day. This doesn’t mean restricting your rest – it’s more about creating a loose boundary so your morning doesn’t slip away entirely. A relaxed wake-up window lets you enjoy the comfort of bed while still giving yourself time to ease into the day, feeling refreshed rather than rushed. That way, you get the best of both worlds: rest and a sense of purpose.
A lot of people feel guilty about sleeping in, like they’re wasting time, but you’re not. Rest is productive too, and it’s one of the best ways to recharge your mind and body. So if you’re craving a lie-in, there’s probably a good reason. Trust that your body knows what it needs, and give yourself permission to enjoy it guilt-free. You’re doing something kind for yourself.
While taking care of yourself and giving yourself a lie-in as a treat is fine, it shouldn’t become too regular a habit. In fact, a study from the University of Michigan found that irregular sleep cycles can lead to shifts in mood and well-being, so while the occasional late rise is good for you, try not to make a habit of it.
Studies do show that catching up on rest over the weekend can help prevent sleep restriction and weight gain. Others, such as one from South Korea, found that a bit of sleep catch-up can help decrease the risk of depression.
All in all, having a cheeky lie-in every now and then is not a bad thing. As long as you’re getting good sleep generally, it should help give you a bit of a boost on the weekends, especially after a hard week’s work.
So, you lay something down, but you lie down yourself.
When referring to staying in bed longer, “lie-in” is the correct term. While “lay-in” may be heard informally, especially in regional dialects, it’s not considered correct in formal writing.
A lie-in is more than just extra time in bed – it’s a moment of rest, self-care, and gentle recovery. Slowing down and giving yourself space to recharge isn’t just a luxury; it’s something we all need from time to time. The perfect lie-in can lift your mood, support your well-being, and set a calm, positive tone for the rest of the day. So go ahead, switch off the alarm, pull up the duvet, and let yourself fully enjoy a peaceful, unhurried morning.
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