Spooky Sleep: Friday the 13th

What Keeps Us Up At Night?

Boo! It’s Friday the 13th—a day traditionally haunted by witchy lore and supernatural superstitions that can give us the willies. While black cats and broken mirrors may take the spotlight in the daylight, when we get under the covers, there are other mystical monsters that may lurk under your bed, waiting for you to turn out the lights… 

That’s right—your nightly ritual may not be as safe from folklore as you think. Here are some of the scariest, silliest, most spirited & spellbound sleep superstitions of Friday the 13th:

1. Don’t Sleep Facing a Mirror

Folksy legends in many cultures warn that sleeping in front of a mirror invites bad energy—or even spooky spirits—into your sleep sanctuary. This comes from the belief that mirrors act as portals, and reflecting your sleeping self can attract unwanted visitors from the “other side” into your dreams. The perfect night for otherworldly visitors? Friday the 13th. 

If you’re feeling creepers a creepin’ tonight, throw a towel over your mirror. And sleep with your protective blankey and a face-concealing eye mask—just in case.

2. Avoid Being Awake at 3am

Also known as witching hour, 3am is when the veil between the spiritual world and ours is thinnest, when paranormal activity is at its peak. If you happen to wake up at this time—well, maybe don’t look under the bed. And invest in some calming weighted cushions and blankets (find them in store!) to help you sleep through the night.

3. Never Fall Asleep With a Candle Burning

Sure, this one is practical for fire safety reasons—but in superstitious legends, it goes a little deeper. Candles are thought to be beacons for spirits, used to come find you in the night. Falling asleep while one burns on Friday the 13th could ‘leave the door open’ for something spectral to slip through.

Stay safe from the supernatural and bundle up extra tight with a soft and cozy cotton quilt, or keep your bed fortified with a wall of plush, protective cushions.

4. Always Sleep with Socks On (Or Off—But Pick One)

Oddly specific? Yes. And it’s confusingly contradicting - but also vitally serious for the superstitious crowd. Some say cold feet attract restless spirits, especially on Friday the 13th. So you should sock 'em up to keep' em warm. 

But others believe removing your socks before bed helps negative energy (and the associated stinkiness) exit the body. Whichever camp you’re in—commit to it tonight. If your feet need some help staying fresh and smooth, try our Hydraheel Spa Socks - like a facial but for your feet. And if you need some extra help regulating your temperature when you sleep, we’ve got sheets for that.

5. Sleep Paralysis Is More Likely Tonight (Or So They Say)

That chilling feeling of being awake but unable to move—often blamed on demons or dark figures in folklore—is feared to be more common on Friday the 13th. Science says it’s about REM sleep disruption, and waking up between states of consciousness and unconsciousness. Superstition says it’s something else entirely. 

Though it may be hard tonight, the best thing you can do is stick to your bedtime routine - maybe throw in an extra soothing bath - and try to get a good rest. May the good spirits be with you!

Rest Easy...Or Try To

While most of these superstitions are rooted in centuries-old beliefs, they show how far our fears (and imaginations) can follow us—even into bed. If you want to make your spine tingle, lean into the lore and read some scary Friday the 13th stories by flashlight tonight. 

If you prefer to steer clear of wayward spirits and remain unspooked, just channel Tay Tay, the Folklore Fairy herself: Her lucky number? 13. Soothe yourself to sleep with her lullabies, and maybe she’ll see you in her wildest dreams.