From Burnt Out to Finally Sleeping: Junes 10-Day Sleep Transformation

Written by Dr.Marcus - Published on Feb 28, 2023

I never thought I’d be the kind of person who kept a sleep diary.

But after months of broken nights, sore ears, and waking up feeling worse than when I went to bed, I decided to try something new.

A friend had mentioned a little under-pillow speaker called the Sleepbar.

No earphones. No wires. Just gentle sound, only you can hear.

I figured if I was going to try it properly, I’d write down how each night went — the good, the bad, and the unexpected.

Here’s exactly what happened.

Went to bed early, thinking I’d catch up on sleep.

Woke up twice — once with the podcast still rambling on, once with a sore ear where the bud had been jammed in.

Spent ten minutes trying to untangle the cord from the sheets. Honestly?

Felt defeated before the day even started.

Tried a guided meditation. 

It worked until the track suddenly jumped in volume.

 Felt like I’d been slapped awake. 

Yanked the earbuds out and chucked them across the room.

I’m exhausted and grumpy. 

My friend mentioned that pillow speaker again. 

Apparently they've ordered me one to try and it's coming tomorrow? 

It’s smaller than I expected — but feels really good quality.

Paired with my phone in seconds. 

I picked a rain sound and slipped it under my pillow.

I didn’t expect much, but… wow. No wires. No fiddling. 

And for the first time in ages, I actually felt settled. 

Not a perfect night, but I woke up without ear pain. 

That alone feels like a miracle.

I didn’t realise how much tension I’d been carrying in my jaw and shoulders from sleeping weirdly around my headphones.

With the Sleepbar, I lay on my side comfortably and just drifted. 

The sound didn’t blast me — it kind of wrapped around me. I fell asleep without even noticing.

My husband didn’t even realise I had anything playing.

Usually he complains about my earbuds or the noise. 

But this time? Nothing. He slept soundly. I did too.

We both woke up in better moods, to be honest. 

It’s amazing what a quiet night can do

I actually slept through the night. Like, no waking up. Not once.

I can’t remember the last time that happened. 

Normally I toss and turn or wake up tangled in cords. Not last night.

Woke up feeling rested. Really rested. 

The kind where you don’t need to reach for coffee right away.

Tried one of the Sleepbar app’s meditations.

It started with breathing, then a kind voice painting this slow, sleepy picture in my mind. 

I didn’t even make it to the end.

It’s like my body has finally got permission to switch off.

Woke up feeling... light. That’s the only way I can describe it.

It’s been so long since I opened my eyes and didn’t feel heaviness in my chest or dread about the day. 

My brain feels clearer. Even my face looks more alive.

I feel like I’m coming back to myself.

It’s just part of my night now.

I get into bed, place the Sleepbar under my pillow, scroll less, worry less.

It’s become a little ritual. Familiar and comforting.

Honestly, I think my brain now associates it with "safe to sleep."

Can’t believe I haven’t charged it yet.

Ten days in, and I genuinely don’t miss my earbuds at all. No wires. No sore ears. No midnight frustration.

And here’s the thing: it hasn’t just helped me sleep. It’s helped me feel better. Kinder. Calmer.

More like myself again.

I didn’t expect that from a little speaker. But I’ll take it.