Hexes and Health!

 How to Spot a Hex (and Why It’s Probably Just Your Poor Sleep Hygiene)

We’ve all been there: the unexplained streak of bad luck, the persistent feeling of being watched, or the uncanny sense that something just isn’t right. When things take a turn for the worse, it’s easy to fall into the trap of blaming forces beyond our control—superstitions, dark energies, maybe even a hex.

But before you rush off to a fellow witch or start burning sage, let’s take a deep breath and consider a more mundane (yet surprisingly powerful) possibility: your sleep hygiene. Yes, you read that right. The symptoms of a “hex” may just be your body’s way of telling you it’s time to get serious about your sleep habits. So, let’s dive into how you can spot a hex and why it’s probably just a lack of good, restful sleep.

The Classic Signs of a Hex: Unlucky or Unhealthy?

First things first—let’s break down the typical signs that people often attribute to being cursed or hexed:

1. Unexplained Bad Luck
   From losing your keys to tripping over your own feet, a streak of unfortunate events can feel like more than just coincidence. People who believe they’re cursed might feel as though bad luck is following them, no matter what they do.

2. Chronic Fatigue
   One of the hallmarks of a “hexed” person is feeling physically drained, despite getting what should be a sufficient amount of rest. It’s as if your energy reserves are mysteriously depleting without any good reason.

3. Strange Dreams or Nightmares
   Nightmares that seem more vivid or intense than usual, or recurrent dreams that leave you with a sense of dread, often lead people to suspect something supernatural is at play.

4. Physical Discomfort
   You might feel aches or pains that have no apparent source—especially those that seem to crop up out of nowhere and refuse to go away.

5. A Sense of Being Watched
   That unsettling feeling that you're not alone, or that there’s some unseen presence lingering around you, can contribute to the notion that someone or something has cursed you.

But What If It’s Just Your Sleep Hygiene?

Before you go running for protection crystals or summoning a spiritual healer, take a moment to consider if your sleep habits might be the true culprit. Poor sleep hygiene can cause a cascade of physical and mental health issues that mimic the symptoms of a “hex.”

Let’s break it down:

1. Unexplained Bad Luck = Sleep Deprivation

When you don’t get enough sleep, your cognitive abilities and motor functions take a hit. You become more forgetful, clumsy, and prone to making mistakes. Have you noticed that the more exhausted you are, the more likely you are to misplace things or find yourself in the midst of a series of unfortunate events? That’s your brain and body scrambling to function on little rest.

Solution: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. Prioritize consistency—your body craves a routine.

2. Chronic Fatigue = Poor Sleep Quality

No matter how many hours you spend in bed, if your sleep quality is poor, you’ll wake up feeling just as tired as you were when you went to sleep. Sleep disorders like insomnia or sleep apnea can leave you feeling sluggish and drained, as if some unseen force is stealing your energy.

Solution: Improve your sleep environment by keeping your room cool, dark, and quiet. Limit screen time before bed and establish a calming pre-sleep routine. Also check in with your doctor about sleep issues!

3. Strange Dreams or Nightmares = Stress and Anxiety

Sleep deprivation, stress, and anxiety can all lead to vivid, sometimes disturbing dreams. When you’re running low on sleep, your brain may have trouble regulating its emotional responses, which can result in nightmares or disturbing dreams.

Solution: Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga before bed. Managing your stress during the day can help create a calmer mind at night.

4. Physical Discomfort = Sleep Posture & Health Issues

Waking up with mysterious aches or feeling physically unwell can often be traced back to poor sleep posture or underlying health problems exacerbated by lack of rest. When we don’t get the sleep we need, our immune system weakens, and our bodies have a harder time recovering from minor strains and stresses.

Solution: Make sure your mattress, pillow, and sleeping position are supportive and comfortable. Stretch before bed to relax your muscles and relieve tension. Also, investing in a good chiropractor can help you combat alot of aches and pains!

5. A Sense of Being Watched = Sleep Deprivation and Anxiety

Lack of sleep can cause heightened anxiety and paranoia, making you feel like there’s something “off” or that someone is watching you—even when no one is. This heightened sense of danger or unease is a classic sign of mental exhaustion and anxiety.

Solution: Develop a consistent sleep routine and make your bedroom a sanctuary where you can feel safe and relaxed. Consider reducing caffeine and alcohol intake, which can disrupt sleep patterns.

So, How Do You Break the Hex?

If you’re feeling “hexed,” don’t panic. Instead, take a closer look at your lifestyle and sleep habits. Here are a few tips to help you break free from the cycle of sleeplessness (and save you from seeking out a witch doctor):

• Establish a Consistent Sleep Schedule: Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends.

• Create a Relaxing Pre-Sleep Routine: Wind down with calming activities such as reading, meditating, or listening to soothing music.

• Limit Screen Time: Avoid screens (phones, TVs, computers) at least 30 minutes before bed to help your brain prepare for rest.

• Optimize Your Sleep Environment: Make sure your bedroom is cool, dark, and quiet. Consider blackout curtains and white noise machines if necessary.

• Watch What You Eat and Drink: Avoid caffeine, heavy meals, and alcohol too close to bedtime.

  How I Found Out I Wasn't Hexed, Just Sleep Deprived.

  There was a week—maybe two—when I was convinced someone had hexed me.

  I was dragging myself out of bed like my limbs were made of wet laundry. No energy, no clarity, and a headache that felt like a gremlin had taken up residence behind my eyes and started a tiny rage cult. My dreams were weird and disjointed. My temper was shot. My magic felt… soggy. Nothing was working right. Naturally, I did what any sensible witch would do—I assumed it was a curse.

  So I broke out the black salt, uncrossing oil, and my sassiest "return to sender" spell. I lit candles. I scrubbed my aura. I cleansed every mirror in the house. I even yelled into the corners like a cranky Italian grandmother with a grudge and a broom. And while the air did feel clearer, I didn’t. I was still waking up like I'd spent the night fighting off a demon instead of sleeping.

  It wasn’t until I passed out during a Zoom call (camera mercifully off) that my husband gently suggested, “Babe… maybe you should get checked for sleep apnea?”

  Fast forward to a sleep study, a diagnosis, and my new nighttime companion—my CPAP machine, who I’ve named "Lucifer" because he breathes heavy and keeps me alive, but also ruins the aesthetic of my altar.

  Moral of the story? Not every energy drain is magical. Sometimes the demon sucking your soul at night is just your own body not breathing. But hey, the cleansing didn’t hurt either.

Conclusion: More Rest, Less Witchcraft

While it’s fun to entertain the idea of being hexed or cursed, the reality is that many of the symptoms we often associate with dark forces could be rooted in our own sleep habits—or lack thereof. So, before you start reaching for sage or salt, try reaching for a pillow and a better sleep routine instead. Chances are, the only hex you’re dealing with is a lack of sleep.

Once you take care of your sleep hygiene, you'll be amazed at how much better you feel. With more energy, better moods, and clearer thinking, that sense of being watched (or cursed) will likely fade away.

And if nothing else, you'll wake up with a lot more energy to handle whatever bad luck comes your way—with your newfound clarity, it won’t feel quite so ominous.