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1-2-3 Get It Done: The Evening Shutdown Routine That Guarantees Better Sleep

sent by Joaquín Kosegarten | January 20, 2026

Every second counts, so let’s get right to it. 1 idea, 2 ways it saves you time, and 3 steps to Get It Done:

1 Idea

Set an alarm 10 minutes before going to bed and when it goes off, switch off every screen so your brain can finally power down and prepare for deep sleep.

2 Ways it saves you time

1. Screens keep your brain in work mode. Turning them off stops the mental stimulation that delays sleep so you fall asleep faster and wake with more energy.

2. You avoid the late night scroll that can steal hours without you noticing.

3 Steps to Get It Done:

1. Set a time each night where you turn off all screens: phone, laptop, TV. No negotiation.

2. Take ten minutes to write tomorrow’s top three tasks. This signals to your brain that everything important is already captured and is fine to shut down.

3. Finish with a small cue like dimming the lights or placing your phone outside the bedroom. This marks the end of the day.

Conclusion

Disengaging from screens calms your mind, shuts down the workday and prepares your brain for deep sleep. Better sleep means better energy, sharper focus and faster work.

“But I use my phone to relax”

It feels relaxing but it is not. Scrolling keeps your brain alert and delays the switch into deep rest. You can still unwind, just without the stimulation that steals your sleep.

As promised — 1 minute that can save you hours

Yours in Getting It Done,
Joaquin Kosegarten
Author of Get It Done
Creator of the 1-2-3 Get It Done Newsletter

P.S. Fun fact, bright screens at night can delay your melatonin release (the sleep hormone) by up to 90 minutes. That means a little bit of extra scrolling can quietly push your natural sleep window far later than you think.

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The Evening Shutdown Routine That Guarantees Better Sleep

About the Newsletter

1-2-3 Get It Done is a weekly 1-minute read trusted by busy professionals who want to achieve more in less time without burning out.
Each issue gives you 1 idea, 2 ways it saves you time, and 3 steps to put it into action immediately.