21 Great Quotes to Read Before Going to Sleep

By Rosie Osmun Certified Sleep Coach

Last Updated On August 22nd, 2023
21 Great Quotes to Read Before Going to Sleep

Everybody loves a good quote, and these words of wisdom can help you settle in for sweeter dreams and better night’s sleep.

Apart from the mattress we sleep on, our moods impact our quality of sleep. While you can get better sleep by upgrading to the best mattress for your needs, you can also improve your sleeping habits by focusing on happy, positive thoughts leading up to bedtime.

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On those nights that you struggle to turn off the day and quiet your thoughts, a little motivation and encouragement may be helpful for sleep. In fact, studies have shown that how positive we feel and how much gratitude we feel can indeed influence sleep.

Researchers from the University of Manchester Verified Source National Library of Medicine (NIH) World’s largest medical library, making biomedical data and information more accessible. View source  found that people with higher levels of gratitude and positive thoughts before bed slept longer and reported better rest quality than those with more negative thoughts. A Cornell survey of middle-aged adults also found that people with a more positive outlook reported better sleep.

On the other hand, mulling over negative thoughts Verified Source National Library of Medicine (NIH) World’s largest medical library, making biomedical data and information more accessible. View source or thinking about all that you need to do can keep you up later and leave you feeling sleep deprived the next day.

The good news? You can train yourself to kick these negative thoughts and flip the switch from negative to positive. It’s not about suppressing the unwanted thoughts, which often backfires, but changing gears (and dealing with negative thoughts at a more appropriate time). When you find yourself ruminating, make a conscious effort to think instead about what you are grateful for or what you are happy about.

Use positive self-talk (I will sleep well and feel great tomorrow!) to replace self-defeating ideas. If external cues are more helpful to you, try guided relaxation audio programs (find many free ones via phone apps and the web). Deep breathing exercises can be helpful if you find that stress or anxiety is what’s keeping you up.

Another helpful way to get in a positive and happy spirit before bed? Reading motivational and inspirational words.

We’ve put together a great collection of quotes with positive messages that aim to reinforce a calm mindset before sleep. Try printing this page or jotting a few of your favorites down on sticky notes and keep them bedside for your nightly reading.

21 Inspiring Quotes for Bedtime Reading

Taking time to live will only inspire your work.

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Taking time to live will only inspire your work.

Think your way to happiness! Happy feelings attract happy circumstances.
(Source)

Think your way to happiness! Happy feelings attract happy circumstances.

Don’t compare your beginning to someone else’s middle.(Source)

Don’t compare your beginning to someone else’s middle.

Why do we close our eyes when we pray, cry, kiss, dream? Because the most beautiful things in life are not seen but felt only by heart.
(Source)

Why do we close our eyes when we pray, cry, kiss, dream? Because the most beautiful things in life are not seen but felt only by heart.

Don’t you dare, for one more second, surround yourself with people who are not aware of the greatness that you are.
(Source)

Don’t you dare, for one more second, surround yourself with people who are not aware of the greatness that you are.

The two most important days in your life are the day you are born, and the day you find out why.
(Source)

The two most important days in your life are the day you are born, and the day you find out why.

Stop being afraid of what could go wrong and start being positive about what could go right.
(Source)

Stop being afraid of what could go wrong and start being positive about what could go right.

Mistakes are proof that you are trying.
(Source)

Mistakes are proof that you are trying.

Never be afraid to fall apart because it is an opportunity to rebuild yourself the way you wish you had been all along.
(Source)

Never be afraid to fall apart because it is an opportunity to rebuild yourself the way you wish you had been all along.

Throughout life people will make you mad, disrespect you and treat you bad. Let God deal with the things they do, cause hate in your heart will consume you too.
(Source)

Throughout life people will make you mad, disrespect you and treat you bad. Let God deal with the things they do, cause hate in your heart will consume you too.

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Let her sleep for when she wakes, she will move mountains.
(Source)

Let her sleep for when she wakes, she will move mountains.

Too many of us are not living our dreams because we are living our fears.
(Source)

Too many of us are not living our dreams because we are living our fears.

The longer you wait for something the more you’ll appreciate it when you get it. Cause anything worth having is definitely worth waiting.
(Source)

The longer you wait for something the more you’ll appreciate it when you get it. Cause anything worth having is definitely worth waiting.

It is not happy people who are thankful; it is thankful people who are happy.
(Source)

It is not happy people who are thankful; it is thankful people who are happy.

If people are trying to bring you down, it only means you are above them.
(Source)

If people are trying to bring you down, it only means you are above them.

(Source)

We must be willing to let go of the life we have planned so as to have the life that is waiting for us.

Always remember you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem and smarter than you think.
(Source)

Always remember you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem and smarter than you think.

You miss 100% of the shots you never take.
(Source)

You miss 100% of the shots you never take.

The secret of change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new.
(Source)

The secret of change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new.

Be the change you wish to see in the world.
(Source)

Be the change you wish to see in the world.

Tomorrow is going to be the best day ever.
(Source)

Tomorrow is going to be the best day ever.

As you scan through these quotes, take time to think about what they are trying to say and what it means to you. Regardless of what your pre-bed routine entails, remember — stay positive and keep gratitude in the forefront of your thoughts.

What’s your favorite quote on the list? Have any other motivational pre-bed words of wisdom?


About the author

Rosie Osmun, a Certified Sleep Science Coach, brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the health and wellness industry. With a degree in Political Science and Government from Arizona State University College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Rosie's academic achievements provide a solid foundation for her work in sleep and wellness. With over 13 years of experience in the beauty, health, sleep, and wellness industries, Rosie has developed a comprehensive understanding of the science of sleep and its influence on overall health and wellbeing. Her commitment to enhancing sleep quality is reflected in her practical, evidence-based advice and tips. As a regular contributor to the Amerisleep blog, Rosie specializes in reducing back pain while sleeping, optimizing dinners for better sleep, and improving productivity in the mornings. Her articles showcase her fascination with the science of sleep and her dedication to researching and writing about beds. Rosie's contributions to a variety of publications, including Forbes, Bustle, and Healthline, as well as her regular contributions to the Amerisleep blog, underscore her authority in her field. These platforms, recognizing her expertise, rely on her to provide accurate and pertinent information to their readers. Additionally, Rosie's work has been featured in reputable publications like Byrdie, Lifehacker, Men's Journal, EatingWell, and Medical Daily, further solidifying her expertise in the field.

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