Jane Seymour, 75, Tackles Sleep Anxiety with Journaling and Meditation

Jane Seymour's Approach to Sleep Anxiety

At 75, actress Jane Seymour has discovered effective strategies to manage sleep anxiety, especially given the unpredictable nature of her acting career. In an exclusive conversation with Business Insider, she revealed her nighttime routine involves a notepad kept close by her bed, which she uses for journaling or meditation to relieve her mind of worries before sleep.

Seymour, who has faced numerous nights of jet lag and night shoots, strives to secure a full eight hours of sleep whenever possible. "I do have blackout curtains, I guess. But once I turn the switch in myself and say it's bedtime, I'm usually able to just go to sleep," she shared.

Keeping Calm in the Face of Anxiety

For Seymour, the key to managing sleeplessness lies in a simple yet effective practice: if sleep eludes her, she refrains from panicking. Instead, she utilizes two calming techniques. "One is I'll meditate on it, or I'll have a pad by the bed, and I'll just write down what I'm worrying about. Once it's out of my head and on a piece of paper, I can sleep," she explained, emphasizing the importance of "quieting the mind."

This approach to confronting worries before sleep reflects a broader trend among successful individuals who utilize journaling and meditation for mental clarity. Olympic skier Tess Johnson, for instance, also employs journaling as part of her daily routine to enhance performance under pressure.

The Broader Benefits of Journaling

Seymour's advocacy for journaling aligns with insights from mental health experts. Arthur C. Brooks, a Harvard professor, points out that the act of writing helps shift emotions from the reactive limbic system to the rational part of the brain, providing clarity. Clinical psychologist Carla Marie Manly reinforces this perspective, noting that journaling can unveil hidden fears and anxiety triggers, enhancing emotional regulation.

As students and professionals alike adopt journaling techniques similar to Seymour's, the practice is increasingly recognized for its potential to manage stress and foster a healthier mindset. This simple addition to a nightly routine may hold the key for many seeking peace and restful sleep amidst the chaos of daily life.