By January 9, 2026 (aka “Quitter’s Day”), a lot of New Year’s resolutions start wobbling. And honestly… that makes sense.

Most resolutions are framed like a punishment: stop snacking, stop scrolling, stop sleeping in, stop doing the thing you like. No wonder your brain rebels.

Let’s reframe the whole goal into something you can actually enjoy: Start treating yourself to a great sleep—on your side.

Why Side Sleeping is a “Start Doing This” Goal Worth Keeping

For many people, side sleeping can be a meaningful upgrade—especially if you’re working on snoring, mild positional sleep apnea, or simply waking up feeling more refreshed.

• It can reduce back-sleeping (which is when snoring and airway collapse often worsen for many people).
• It can feel like an immediate win once comfort is dialed in (better nights = more motivation).
• It’s a self-care goal, not a self-punishment goal.

Important note: If you have diagnosed sleep apnea or significant symptoms, always follow your clinician’s guidance. Positional therapy can help some people, but it’s not a replacement for medical advice or prescribed therapy.

Make My Bedtime Routine ENJOYABLE

Set a positive routine to enjoy it. Look FORWARD to it!

If your bedtime routine feels like a checklist you “should” do, it’ll never stick. But if it feels like a reward? You’ll come back to it.

Try this: the 10-minute “I’m Off Duty” routine

• Lights lower (dim the room—even a little helps).
• Warm drink or water (something simple you like).
• One small comfort cue: a favorite blanket, a tidy pillow setup, a relaxing scent, or a fan for airflow.
• One sentence of gratitude (seriously): “I’m proud I’m trying.”

The goal isn’t perfection. The goal is: bed feels like a safe, cozy landing—not a battleground.

2026 GOAL: Go to Bed EARLIER

MAKE IT A GOAL: In Bed By 9pm — ENJOY IT!

This might be the most underrated resolution of all time: go to bed earlier. Not because you “have to”… but because you get to.

Here’s the secret: adjusting to side sleeping can take a little adaptation. The easiest way to make adaptation painless is to give yourself more runway. If you’re in bed by 9pm, you’re not “risking” tomorrow—you're investing in it.

Make 9pm feel like a treat

• Pick a “bedtime-only” podcast, audiobook, or playlist.
• Upgrade pillows like you’re building a sleep nest.
• Keep the room cool (many people sleep better cooler).
• Celebrate the attempt, not the outcome.

Comfort First: How to Make Side Sleeping Feel Better (Fast)

If you’ve tried side sleeping supports and thought, “This is too warm,” or “It feels too close to my body,” you’re not alone—and it’s almost always fixable with small adjustments.

1) Wear it loose (seriously)

The most common comfort mistake is wearing a support too tight. It should not compress your torso. Think “securely positioned,” not “snug.” If you feel heat build-up or body awareness is too intense, loosen it.

2) Keep shoulder straps short/snug

If your setup includes shoulder straps, the sweet spot is: short enough to hold the system in place, without adding pressure. This often reduces tossing and reduces the “new gear” feeling.

3) Swap inflatable sizes like you’re tuning a bike

Many side-sleeping systems offer different inflation sizes (often “regular” and “jumbo”). Use that to your advantage:

• If it feels too bulky/warm, try three regular inflatables for a few nights.
• If it feels like you’re still tossing and turning, the jumbo set may provide more stability.

Give each setup 2–4 nights before judging it. Your body adapts surprisingly quickly once comfort is dialed in.

4) Make “warm” easier to solve

• Try a lighter, breathable sleep shirt (or fewer layers).
• Turn the room temperature down 1–2 degrees.
• Add a fan for gentle airflow.
• Keep bedding light and breathable.

The Mindset Shift That Makes This Stick

Here’s the real magic: side sleeping works best when it’s not a fight. The goal is not “I must force myself to sleep a certain way.”

The goal is: “I’m treating myself to better sleep, and I’m allowed to adapt slowly.”

• Patience beats intensity.
• Small tweaks beat big declarations.
• Comfort beats willpower.

And if tonight isn’t perfect? That’s not failure. That’s data. Tomorrow you adjust one thing and try again.

Your January 9 “Quitter’s Day” Challenge (Fun Edition)

Instead of quitting your goal… upgrade it:

• Tonight: Make bedtime enjoyable (10-minute “I’m Off Duty” routine).
• This week: Aim for in bed by 9pm at least 2–3 nights.
• Next 7 nights: Try one comfort tweak at a time (looser fit, straps shorter, swap inflatables, cool the room).

If you discover a setup that works, write it down. That’s your personal “sleep recipe.” And it gets easier from there.

Closing Thought: Don’t “Quit”—Just Redesign

If your New Year’s resolution is built on pressure, it will eventually crack. But if it’s built on comfort, reward, and a routine you actually enjoy? It has a real chance.

So here’s the 2026 goal we love: Start treating myself to a great sleep on-my-side. And make it enjoyable enough that you look forward to it.

Wishing you calm nights, comfortable adjustments, and better mornings.