Summary: A relaxation acupressure method to calm your wired brain after working late. Use Fengchi (GB20) to release neck tension, Shenmen (HT7) and Neiguan (PC6) to lower arousal, and Sanyinjiao (SP6) and Yongquan (KI1) to enter sleep mode.
Done with overtime! But… my brain won’t turn off
11 PM, finally home from work. Your body is exhausted but your mind is still wide awake. Report details spinning around, tomorrow morning’s meeting prep, unanswered emails, your boss’s expression… toss and turn until 1 AM.
Not being able to fall asleep right after overtime is a natural phenomenon. The adrenaline and cortisol released during work are still coursing through your body. Especially after high-pressure tasks (deadlines, presentations, client interactions), your sympathetic nervous system stays activated for quite a while.
The key is not to try to forcefully switch off this aroused state, but to gradually turn down the volume. That’s exactly what relaxation acupressure does.
Post-Overtime Relaxation Acupressure Routine (15 minutes)
Phase 1: Release (0-4 min) — Dissolve physical tension first
Fengchi (GB20) — Melt the iron weights in your neck and shoulders
The depressions below the back of the skull where the two large neck muscles meet the skull bone.
- Place both thumbs on Fengchi and wrap the other fingers around your head
- Press firmly upward while slowly making circles
- Press for 2 minutes, then gently knead the entire back of the neck
As the neck that’s been stiff from staring at a monitor all day releases, you’ll let out an involuntary “ahh.” When the tense trapezius relaxes, your brain feels lighter too.
Phase 2: Wind Down (4-9 min) — Lower brain arousal
Shenmen (HT7) — Turn off work mode
Inner wrist crease, next to the tendon on the pinky side. 5 seconds each, 15 times on both sides.
Try saying to yourself while pressing: “Work is done. It’s my time now.” Shenmen is the source point of the Heart meridian, excellent at calming excessive mental activity.
Neiguan (PC6) — Calm heart palpitations and tension
Three finger-widths above the inner wrist crease, between the two tendons. 5 seconds each, 10 times on both sides.
The racing heart from caffeine and tension during overtime gradually calms down.
Phase 3: Sleep Mode (9-15 min) — Enter sleep state
Sanyinjiao (SP6) — Switch your whole body to sleep mode
Four finger-widths above the inner ankle bone, behind the shin bone. 5 seconds each, 10 times on both sides.
Sanyinjiao is where three meridians (Spleen, Liver, Kidney) converge. It replenishes the yin blood depleted by overtime and relaxes the entire body.
Yongquan (KI1) — Draw heat from the head down to your feet
Under the covers, firmly press the depression in the front third of each sole 20 times per foot. Your head cools down, eyes get heavy… and you drift off to dreamland.
Sleep Tips for the Overtime Warrior
- Cool-down time: After getting home, take at least 30 minutes to do nothing. Trying to sleep immediately backfires.
- Lukewarm shower: A 5-10 minute shower at 38-40°C (100-104°F). As body temperature rises then drops, sleep is induced.
- Late-night snacks: Even if hungry, avoid overeating! A banana or a cup of warm milk is just right.
- Task notes: Write down tomorrow’s to-do list — your brain recognizes “it’s recorded, so I can let go” and relaxes.
- Fixed wake time: Even if you slept late, keep your wake time consistent. Weekend catch-up sleep should be 30 minutes max.
Overtime may be unavoidable, but your sleep after overtime is something you can protect. Use this 15-minute relaxation acupressure routine to tell your body and mind, “Good work, now rest.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it okay to sleep right after getting home from overtime?
If you try to sleep right after getting home, your brain is still in work mode and won’t shut down. Take at least 30 minutes to 1 hour of cool-down time, and use that time for the acupressure routine.
I drank an energy drink during overtime. Is that okay?
Caffeine has a half-life of 5-6 hours, so if you leave work at dawn, it may be tough. Next time, avoid caffeine after evening and substitute with water or herbal tea.
Does a hot shower after getting home help with sleep?
Yes! Sleep is induced as body temperature drops after a hot shower. However, water that’s too hot can actually wake you up, so lukewarm water around 38-40°C (100-104°F) is best.
Won’t frequent overtime permanently mess up my sleep pattern?
Try to keep your wake-up time as consistent as possible. Even if your bedtime varies, keeping the same wake time helps maintain your body clock.
How should pregnant women handle Sanyinjiao (SP6) acupressure?
Pregnant women should avoid Sanyinjiao stimulation and focus on Shenmen (HT7) and Neiguan (PC6) instead. These provide sufficient relaxation effects.
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