How Mercury Retrograde Will Affect Your Sleep

Many people dread Mercury retrograde, but astrologers say there's no need to be afraid. Instead, use this time to focus on "re" words like redo, reassess, and repair. Each zodiac sign has specific recommendations for adjusting nighttime routines during this period.

Mercury retrograde is almost upon us once again—starting on Feb. 17 and lasting until March 10–but there’s no need to be spooked by it.

As the planet that rules over communication and travel, Mercury often gets blamed for misunderstandings and airline mixups during retrograde periods (which, by the way, occur several times during the year).

While you may experience some technology snafus or commuting snags, astrologers say you don’t have to be afraid. Instead, use this time to focus on “re” words: redo, reassess, rethink, reconsider, repair, says astrologer Tisch Aitken.

This winter, Mercury will be in retrograde in Pisces and end in Aquarius. Whatever your sign, it’s a really good time to make sure you’re not spending your time obsessing about your close relationships or lashing out at those nearest and dearest to you, says Aitken.

It’s also a good time to reprioritize sleep, say astrologists. Here’s how to adjust your nighttime routine when Mercury is retrograde, according to your sign.

Aries (March 21-April 19)

Aries may notice their willpower being slightly less strong than usual, says Griffin Damron, a Vedic astrologer. “They will have less energy for their daily routines and will likely find themselves confronting old challenges at this time.” Don’t be surprised if you find yourself dragging a bit more during the day, and give yourself permission to hit the hay a bit earlier than you normally do.

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

Earth signs like Taurus are the schedulers of the zodiac. During Mercury retrograde, they “will have to develop some patience for people changing plans at the last minute or forgetting them altogether,” say Tali and Ophira Edut, astrologers known as The AstroTwins. What to do if someone flakes on your happy hour plans? Use the last-minute free evening to head home and unwind with a bath and some soft music before bed.

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

Geminis are typically very flexible and excitable, so Mercury retrograde is a good time to counterbalance that, according to astrologer Susie Cox. “It’s a good time to cut some things out of the schedule or try to regroup or change to reach for stability a bit more,” she says. See what can be deleted off your iCal app to open up the schedule for more rest.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

Cancer is the sign of home and family, Cox says, so Mercury retrograde is a great time to move furniture around or feng shui your surroundings. “It’s a great time to redo your home or bedroom,” she says. Cancers like being cozy and relaxed, so maybe it’s time to pull your favorite fuzzy blankets out of the closet and grab some extra pillows for your bed to boost the homey vibe.

Leo (July 23-August 22)

Leos are the king of the jungle, Cox says. Since Mercury retrograde is a great time to reset, it’s a good time to shift typical behavior. “Being quiet and going inward would be a good one to do,” she says. Rather than being the life of the party, spend some low-key reflection or journaling time before hitting the sheets.

Virgo (August 23-September 22)

“Virgos are kind of the perfectionists of the zodiac,” Cox says. They’ll have to be patient with things not going perfectly according to plan—an ideal time to practice going with the flow and not being as rigid with all aspects of your schedule, including sleep.

Libra (September 23-October 22)

Air signs like Libra love technology and should be extra careful with their mobile gadgets, say the AstroTwins, authors of The AstroTwins’ 2020 Horoscope. Don’t place your late-night glass of water too close to your cell phone, and consider setting two alarms if you have to wake up for an important meeting the following day. “Mobile gadgets can cause mischief during Mercury’s backspin, but maybe that’s a cue to keep them out of the bedroom,” say the AstroTwins. “Try reading a paperback before bed instead of texting and scanning social media before you attempt to nod off.”

Scorpio (October 23-November 21)

“This is a good time for dealing with doing healing work,” says Aitken. Scorpios can encounter more sudden, unexpected events and be more prone to accidents during this period, says Damron. Don’t be shocked if a physical mishap or emotional worries keep you staring at the ceiling all night.

Sagittarius (November 23-December 21)

Sagittariuses may encounter communication issues in their relationships, whether with a romantic or business partner, says Damron. With their outspoken nature, they may find themselves less likely to be feeling super-lovey-dovey with their better half—turning bedroom activities into more snoozing and less loving.

Capricorn (December 22-January 19)

“Capricorns are the executives of the zodiac,” says Cox. “They’re lawyers, accountants, CEOs and very dutiful and loyal, but they don’t relax well.” These few weeks are a great time to take a break, even a vacation, and try to squeeze some relaxation into your typically hectic schedule, Cox says.

Aquarius (January 20-February 18)

Aquarians may run into problems when it comes to romance, children, and creativity, says Damron. “All of these areas can seem temporarily stuck,” he said. Since Aquarians are likely to dabble in different sleep trends, they may find this a good time to experiment with weighted blankets or CBD to try to catch some extra Z’s.

Pisces (February 19-March 20)

Pisces tend to be in a bit of a dream world, according to Cox. They typically have very few issues sleeping and may tend to spend a lot of time daydreaming. “Well what’s the matter with that?” she says. Lean into meditation and make you’re taking a silent moment for yourself during this three-week span.

Next, find out what your astrological sign has to say about your sleep style.

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