What Is Hurkle-Durkle? Exploring the Benefits of the Latest Self-Care Sleep Trend

If you're looking for a simple yet effective way to enhance your sleep, you might want to try the latest self-care trend—hurkle-durkle. This cozy, mindful practice promotes taking a moment to unwind and settle into bed, setting the stage for deeper, more restful sleep.

The origins of hurkle-durkle

The term hurkle-durkle originated in the United Kingdom and is often used to describe the cozy act of settling into bed, snuggling under blankets and enjoying a peaceful moment of relaxation before fully drifting off to sleep. In essence, it's about taking a moment to embrace rest and allowing yourself to unwind in a calm, indulgent way.

“While the term may sound whimsical, the concept has deep ties to the growing emphasis on mindfulness and intentional relaxation in self-care,” said Gregory Breen, M.D., a physician and sleep medicine specialist at Inspira Medical Group Pulmonary. “Hurkle-durkle emphasizes fully surrendering to the act of rest, focusing on the present moment and embracing the peaceful stillness that can come with it.”

Why hurkle-durkle matters for your sleep

At a time when people are busier than ever, quality sleep has become increasingly difficult to achieve. From long workdays to digital distractions, many people struggle to wind down and truly relax before bedtime. The hurkle-durkle trend offers a solution—an invitation to slow down, disconnect from the outside world and focus on preparing for restorative rest.

Benefits of incorporating hurkle-durkle into your self-care routine include:  

• Encouraging mindful relaxation: Hurkle-durkle emphasizes the importance of pausing before sleep, encouraging you to let go of stress and tension. By making time for this moment, you can transition into sleep with a clearer mind, helping improve your sleep quality and overall well-being.
• Supporting mental health: As part of the larger mindfulness movement, hurkle-durkle provides an opportunity for mental decompression. Taking the time to relax before bed can reduce anxiety, calm racing thoughts and foster a sense of emotional peace.
• Promoting physical comfort: Snuggling under soft blankets or adjusting your sleep environment can create a soothing atmosphere that promotes comfort and warmth. This process can release physical tension in the body, improving your overall sleep experience.
• Helping regulate your sleep cycles: “By creating a calming bedtime ritual, you’re sending signals to your brain that it’s time to wind down,” said Dr. Breen. “A consistent routine can help regulate your sleep cycles, making it easier to fall asleep and wake up refreshed.”

How to incorporate hurkle-durkle into your sleep routine

Adding the practice of hurkle-durkle to your nightly routine doesn’t require much—just a few intentional steps to help you ease into relaxation. Here's how to get started:

• Create a cozy environment: Dim the lights, adjust your room temperature to a comfortable level and add extra pillows or blankets if needed. 
• Turn off your electronics: One of the core principles of hurkle-durkle is disconnecting from the outside world. Power down your devices and take a break from screens to help your brain wind down.
• Practice mindful breathing or meditation: Focus on your breathing and pay attention to the soothing rhythm of each inhale and exhale. Consider adding a short meditation or visualization exercise to clear your mind and prepare for rest.
• Embrace the moment of stillness: When you settle into bed, take a few minutes to snuggle under the covers, relax and feel the weight of the day lift from your shoulders. Enjoy the peaceful, mindful moment before drifting off to sleep.

Hurkle-durkle: The perfect addition to your self-care toolkit

“As you focus on the importance of sleep and relaxation to your overall health, practices like hurkle-durkle offer a simple yet effective way to prioritize rest,” said Dr. Breen. “In a world that constantly demands more of our attention, taking time to be still and fully embrace the moment can profoundly affect your physical and mental well-being.”

Looking to improve your sleep habits? Learn more about Inspira’s approach to sleep medicine.