Why you are still tired after a full night’s sleep

Why You Are Still Tired After A Full Night's Sleep

The 7 Different Types of Rest

Maybe this feels familiar to you. You’ve had a full night’s sleep, you are eating well, you even avoided your screen before bed time and the next day you wake up, you are still feeling tired.

I’m just returning from a 2 week holiday in Italy. And while I loved it, the sleeping in, the sun, the good food, the people. I came back and I felt… tired. Like I need a holiday from my holiday.

Recently, I saw a Reel on Instagram that discussed the 7 different types of rest. And this was mind blowing. There are 7 different types??? I know rest was more than just sleep, but this was news to me. So I decided to do my own research and dedicate this blog article to this topic.

Physical Rest

Let’s start with the obvious one: Physical Rest. Yes, this includes sleep. But it goes beyond that. Physical rest can be divided into active rest and passive rest.

Active rest sounds probably familiar in terms of working out. And this is exactly it. This includes yoga, stretching or getting a massage. Then there is passive rest, like naps or sleep.

When do you need physical rest? Besides when you are feeling physically tired or having low energy, other signs can be having sore muscles or feeling a tension in your muscles.
How do you practice it? By prioritising your body awareness. Take a few moments each day to check in with your body. Take micro-breaks, stretch regularly or do some gentle movement, and take a nap without feeling guilty or “unproductive” and “lazy”.

Mental Rest

You get mental rest when you’re stepping away from overthinking, problem-solving and planning.

When do you need mental rest? When you have brain fog, have racing thoughts in your head or trouble focussing. Personally, whenever I have these “symptoms” they are often accompanied with a headache as well. So this is usually my sign to take a mental break.
How do you practice mental rest? Stop multi-tasking and focus on one task at a time. Let yourself be bored and have no input at all. You read right: no screens, no music or podcast, not even a book. Practice mindfulness and meditate instead.

Sensory Rest

We are constantly overstimulated nowadays. Either we’re watching, listening, reading or playing something. But our bodies are not made for this constant input and our senses need a break as well.

When you need sensory rest? For example, when you are feeling drained after too much screen time. You are becoming sensitive to noises. Or when your are feeling restless.
How do you practice sensory rest? Again, allow yourself to be bored! Dimm the lights, turn everything off. Get away from your screen. Spend time in silence or nature.

Emotional Rest

Emotional rest is closely linked to emotional freedom. This is when you can let go of having to perform, people pleasing or generally not being your authentic self.

When do you need emotional rest? When you are feeling like you are “falling apart”. You’re feeling burned out, irritable and emotionally “full”.
How do you practice emotional rest? By expressing your feelings honestly. Letting yourself cry if you feel the need for it. Journalling without editing. And creating a safe space for yourself where you can be just yourself and don’t have to be the “strong one”.

Social Rest

Ever felt tired after social interactions? Social rest is about rebalancing your social interactions. You don’t have to go full incognito and isolate yourself. Rather think about which interactions or people drain you. And only choose interactions that recharge you.

When do you need social rest? When you are craving alone time. You’re feeling drained after socialising. Or when you feel resentment towards someone.
How do you practice social rest? Spending time with people that uplift you. Have alone time. And set clear boundaries with people that drain you.

Creative Rest

Creative rest is when you are connecting with your inner child, your wonder, beauty and inspiration. When you are craving for creativity.

When do you need creative rest? When you are feeling uninspired. Feeling stuck. Or feeling creatively numb.
How do you practice creative rest? Spend time in nature. Admire the beauty of this world. Visit a museum. Listen to music. Start writing or drawing. Try a new recipe or come up with a new meal yourself. Start creating without any expectations and allow yourself to be playfuk.

Spiritual Rest

Last but not least, we have spiritual rest. This is when you take time to find meaning in your life. You are grounding and finding connection beyond yourself. This doesn’t necessarily have to be a religious practice, but it can be.

When do you need spiritual rest? When you are feel disconnected and find yourself without direction. When you feel like you or your life are lacking purpose.
How do you practice spiritual rest? Journalling. Praying or meditating. Practicing gratitude and connecting with your values.

These are the 7 different types of rest. Which ones were new to you? Do you know which type of rest you currently need the most? This week, give yourself one form of rest your body or mind has been asking for and notice what shifts. Here are a few journal prompts find you can use to find out what type of rest you really need:

Which type of rest do I crave most right now?
What drains me most physically, mentally, emotionally, socially?
What could rest look like for me this week beyond just sleep?

Rest isn’t laziness. You don’t have to earn it. It’s how your energy learns to trust you again. Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is pause.