Mercury retrograde is almost upon us once again, running from June 29 until July 23 in the star sign of Cancer. This period, when the planet Mercury appears to move backward through the Zodiac, is often discussed on social media for its potential disruptions. It is said to push people to reexamine past emotional experiences, revisit old projects, or reconnect with loved ones, but experts warn against making impulsive life changes. As always, people are reminded to double-check texts, take care with contracts, back up tech, and re-evaluate their path.
But can Mercury retrograde impact sleep? Lake District hotel Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa consulted astrologer Ryan Hunt to explore this question.
What Is Mercury Retrograde?
“Mercury retrograde occurs when Mercury appears to move backwards through the Zodiac,” said Ryan. “All planets go retrograde at some point, but Mercury and Venus, the inner planets, do so more frequently.” He explained that two motions happen simultaneously: the daily east-to-west movement from Earth’s rotation and the slower west-to-east journey of planets through the Zodiac. These coexist, creating the illusion of backward motion.
Does Mercury Retrograde Actually Impact Sleep?
Ryan says: “In astrology, the primary influence on sleep is the Moon, not Mercury. When the Moon is full, people tend to sleep less and more restlessly. When the Moon is dark, they sleep more deeply. Mercury retrograde doesn't directly impact sleep on its own. But it does interact with sleep when it coincides with lunar activity. You see the most noticeable effects when Mercury retrograde coincides closely with the Moon’s phase.” He added that Mercury retrograde often aligns with darker moon phases, which lean toward rest, so counterintuitively, these periods can sometimes be associated with better sleep, provided the Moon isn’t simultaneously full or near-full.
How Can People Sleep Better During Mercury Retrograde?
Sleep expert Dr. Lori Bohn explained that anticipation can disrupt rest. “Stress levels rise, and cortisol levels remain elevated,” she said. “That heightened cognitive and physiological arousal is what interferes with sleep quality.” Essentially, the anxiety surrounding the event creates the restlessness people fear. To counter this, Dr. Bohn recommends several strategies:
- Regulate your rhythm: Going to bed and waking up at the same time helps regulate the circadian rhythm. She suggests a 60–90-minute wind-down: dim lights, switch off notifications, and avoid stressful scrolling.
- Physical relaxation: Activities like a warm shower or slow breathing activate the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation.
- Contain your worries: Write down worries two hours before bed and note a small next step for each. This signals to the brain that problems are contained, reducing nighttime rumination.
- Optimise your environment: Limit caffeine after 1pm and keep your bedroom cool (ideally between 16 and 19 degrees). Reserve the bed strictly for sleep and intimacy to strengthen that mental association with rest.
The key takeaway? Mercury retrograde may not directly disrupt sleep, but the stress surrounding it could. Paying attention to how you wind down, during this astrological period and beyond, could make all the difference.
