Spending the night at a friend’s or acquaintance’s house is always fun, but as the evening winds down and everyone starts preparing for bed, feelings of loneliness can creep in. If you find yourself unable to sleep because you miss home, don’t despair! Here are some tips to help make your overnight stays away from home more comfortable and calming.
Part 1
Step 1. Consider whether you really want to stay overnight.
If your friends have invited you to spend the night, first think about whether this is what you truly want. Don’t worry about hurting others' feelings — you can always head home after a fun day.
Step 2. Talk to your parents or guardians.
Discuss your plans with your parents or guardians. If you decide to stay overnight, it’s wise to think ahead about how you can get home if needed. Hopefully, it won’t come to that!
Step 3. Identify your fears.
Try to understand what exactly is bothering you in this situation. Perhaps you’re feeling separation anxiety or are worried about what’s happening at home. Having a clear understanding of your worries can help you cope with them.
Step 4. Relax on the way to the party.
During the ride to the party, try not to stress about the future. Worrying about potential anxieties will only make things worse. Instead, focus on the joy of spending time with friends — they invited you to have fun together!
Step 5. Bedtime — shift your thoughts.
When all the fun is over and it’s time to sleep, try to think about the events of tomorrow instead of your desire to return home. If anxiety arises, try breathing exercises: inhale for a count of 4, hold for a second, and exhale for a count of 7. Repeat until you feel calm.
Step 6. You might just not be tired.
Sometimes insomnia stems from a lack of tiredness. If you have the option to switch on a light, read something calming or engage in breathing exercises.
Step 7. Don’t focus on your parents.
If you miss your parents, try not to dwell on them. This may sound strange, but instead, think of your favorite song or an interesting show.
Step 8. Remind yourself about the time.
Remember that there’s not much time left until dawn. A new day is about to begin, and you can be proud of having spent the night away from home. If you still want to go home, think about the joy the morning will bring!
Step 9. Let your thoughts flow freely.
Allow your thoughts to flow without fixating on each one. You might try counting sheep — this can help calm you down.
Step 10. Avoid medication unless necessary.
Try to steer clear of taking medication. If all the above tips haven’t worked, you may consider over-the-counter sleep aids, but only as a last resort.
Step 11. Talk to friends about your feelings.
Discussing your issues with friends can be very helpful. They might have similar feelings and might not always share them. If you’re unable to sleep, talking to them can be soothing, but be careful not to wake the parents.
Step 12. Try sleeping next to a friend.
Step 13. Check if there’s a free bed.
Ask if there’s an opportunity to lie down on a comfortable bed. Sometimes just having an uncomfortable spot can be the reason for sleeplessness.
Step 14. Don’t hesitate to bring your favorite toy.
Don’t be afraid to bring your favorite stuffed animal. Many people have such items, and they can help you feel more at ease.
Step 15. And most importantly — enjoy the moment.
Approach your overnight stay with a positive attitude! Don’t see it as a problem, as it’s just a part of your experience. Remember, you’re not alone in your feelings — many go through the same thing. Enjoy your time with friends and remember that it’s just one night!
