How to Make Better Decisions — Why You Should Sleep on It

Yup, I sleep on almost all of my decisions, and I have the science to back it up.

“Sleeping on it” is not just some cliché advice; it’s backed by science, and it could be your secret weapon for making smarter decisions. Here's why giving yourself time—especially overnight—can actually improve your decision-making process.

Why Making Decisions Can Be So Hard

• Information Overload

We live in the age of information, which is great, except when you have to sort through all of it to make a decision. Whether it's choosing a movie or a major life choice, the sheer volume of data can leave you dizzy. So much for "the more you know."

• Fear of Consequences

Let's face it: every decision feels like it could be a game-changer. Worrying about making the wrong choice can leave us frozen in indecision. What if I pick the wrong salad dressing and ruin my day? (Okay, maybe not that dramatic, but you get the point.)

• Perfectionism

Some of us are obsessed with making the perfect decision. Well, I do. But here's the catch: there’s no such thing. Chasing perfection leads to a never-ending loop of overthinking—kind of like re-reading the same email 10 times just to make sure you didn’t miss a comma.

• Emotional Factors

Decisions don’t happen in a vacuum; they come with a little emotional baggage. Whether it's past experiences or current feelings, emotions can cloud judgment. That’s why some choices can feel harder than they really are.

• Social Pressure

We’ve all felt it—peer pressure doesn’t stop in high school. Whether it’s friends, family, or social media, outside opinions can nudge you in all the wrong directions. Spoiler alert: The opinions of others aren't always the best guide for your personal decisions.

The Science Behind Sleeping on It

• Memory Consolidation

During sleep, especially REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep, your brain gets busy filing away all the information you’ve absorbed during the day. This process helps your brain organize everything—so when you wake up, you’ll have a clearer mind to evaluate your options.

• Stress Reduction

Sleep is like hitting the reset button for your brain. When you're well-rested, your brain is better at handling emotions and stress, meaning you'll make decisions with a much clearer head. A sleepless night? Not so much.

• Increased Creativity

Sleep isn’t just for rest; it’s for ideas. While you're snoozing, your brain keeps working, connecting the dots in ways you wouldn’t have thought of when wide awake. It’s like having a brainstorming session with yourself... without the awkward silence.

• Perspective Shift

Ever go to bed feeling like a decision is a disaster, only to wake up and realize it’s not so bad after all? That’s the magic of sleep—your brain resets, and you often wake up with a fresh perspective, minus the emotional baggage.

Steps to Effectively Sleep on a Decision

• Identify the Decision

Start by getting clear on what you need to decide. Write it down if it helps. The more specific you are, the easier it will be for your brain to focus while you're asleep.

• Gather Information

Collect relevant information before bedtime. No need to overload yourself—just get enough context so that your brain can process it while you sleep. Trust me, your brain's pretty good at multitasking.

• Reflect on Emotions

Take a moment to check in with how you feel about the options. Your emotions can give you valuable clues about what decision aligns with your deeper values. Just don’t get lost in overthinking it; sleep on it instead.

• Set Aside Time for Reflection

Give yourself the gift of at least one night to sleep on it. Resist the urge to obsess over the decision before bed. Your mind will do the heavy lifting while you’re off in dreamland, and by morning, you’ll be more clear-headed.

• Review the Decision in the Morning

When you wake up, take a moment to review the decision again. Write down your thoughts and any fresh insights you have. You might be surprised by how much clarity a good night's sleep can bring.

Additional Tips for Better Decision-Making

• Limit Options

Too many choices can feel like a buffet where everything looks delicious, but you’re paralyzed by the decision of what to choose. Narrow down your options to a manageable number (ideally 2-5) to make the process less overwhelming.

• Consult Others

After you’ve slept on it, talk it over with someone you trust. Sometimes a second opinion can help illuminate options you hadn’t thought of—or reassure you that your gut feeling is spot on.

• Trust Your Instincts

Your gut can be surprisingly wise. After sleeping on it, if you feel strongly about one option, don’t dismiss it. Trusting your instincts can often lead you to the right choice.

• Learn from Past Decisions

Look back at your past decisions, both the triumphs and the flops. What did you learn? Past experiences can offer valuable insights that help guide your current choice.

Final Thoughts

Sleeping on a decision might feel counterintuitive—especially in a world that values fast action—but the benefits are undeniable. Giving yourself time to process, reflect, and reset leads to more thoughtful and effective choices.

So, the next time you're faced with a big decision, don’t rush it. Pause, take a deep breath, and then take a nap. You might just wake up with the clarity you need to make the best choice.