Why can't my mind stop thinking when I'm trying to sleep?
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Last Updated: 09/04/2021 at 6:28am
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Top Rated Answers
Anonymous
August 12th, 2015 4:02am
It is difficult to stop thinking when either plagued with anxious or depressing thoughts, or extremely happy thoughts.
Anonymous
December 26th, 2015 5:30pm
you may be worried about your problems .just do one thing ,concentrate on a specific topic and think about that only .I am sure you will feel sleepy
Sometimes when we have a productive day or week and don't give our minds a break, it seems like they don't stop thinking when we are trying to sleep. I have learned that writing down anything on my mind before bed or meditating and being mindful help the brain to relax. Reading a book is another way to distract your mind until you get tired enough to sleep.
It may be as simple as your mind is too active. Try winding down beforehand by listening to music or just relaxing before sleep, rather than playing video games or watching TV. It also might be due to stress or anxiety.
Anonymous
August 12th, 2015 4:38am
When you just lay still your mind doesnt need to focus on movement so it focuses on what ever is running through you head, and when you are trying to sleep it is even worse, because thats when "what ifs" will jump in.
Anonymous
January 22nd, 2016 9:22pm
You've probably had a hectic day. Or you might even have kind of a hectic life. You may be having troubles. Instead of worrying about why you can't stop thinking, try focusing your attention to relaxing your body - your mind will follow. Picture your body relaxing from the tips of your toes to the top of your head. Be very specific. Usually this helps. If for some reason it doesn't, get up for a while, do some calm activity for a while and try again. If you have continuous sleep problems and can't seem to solve them, it might be wise to see a healthcare professional.
Anonymous
August 12th, 2015 3:49pm
When I am about to go to sleep it's often stress that brings thoughts into my mind also the dark and quiet have no distractions. So I turn on some soft music to lull me to sleep and take my mind off things.
Anonymous
December 16th, 2015 10:08am
couse youre analysing your day probably and you think what have you did wrong and what right and you think about your obligations for the next day and so, you should meditate
Because your brain is filled with both wondrous and terrifying ideas, when all is quiet and calm you can think more clearly. The best thing to do during these moments is use them to dream.
Do not prevent yourself from thinking when you are trying to think. Thinking about you not thinking doesn't aid you falling asleep, nor does having the problem with your mind racing. It is all natural to do this, as your brain speeds up into dream mode when you finally wipe out, it's like engagement to wipe out.
You are probably stressed and can't stop thinking about things that randomly go inside your head. Listing to music helps a lot, it tunes out the voices in your head and you feel releved
Sometimes our minds are too full of other thoughts from throughout the day: what we have to do tomorrow, how funny that story was your friend told you, how many atoms there are in the universe. It can be difficult, but writing thoughts down on a pad, using red or low lights, and eating more fresh foods can help.
In my opinion, you're not allowing your brain to turn off. You must have a thought harboring your mind. A good trick that I use when I can't sleep is conscious breathing. You begin by asking of all of your bad thoughts to leave. Now close the door and lock it behind you. You are alone. Inhale a long, deep breath through your nose. Imagine you are breathing in all the positivity and love in the world. Now hold this breath in for about five seconds. Let all of that love wash over you. Now, slowly exhale through your mouth. Imagine you are ridding yourself of all negativity and tension with this breath. Repeat a couple of times, and you'll be asleep before you know it.
Anonymous
July 4th, 2015 2:28am
That's because it's the end of the day and it's only usual for us to reflect about things that has happened for that day and also for us to plan forward on the days, months and years ahead. When that happens, just try to take a deep breath, focus on your breath and try to practice mindfulness (where you bring your body and mind to now and then rather than past or future). That should help you calm your mind and sleep easier.
Anonymous
September 15th, 2015 6:27pm
Sometimes your subconscious seems to "wake up" when you are trying to sleep and keeps you awake. Many times you are also trying to relax, but instead are remembering all the things that you might not have done. You may also be worrying about something at the time.
You probably have a hard time letting go of mistakes you have made in the past. Try to divert your mind and focus on slow, light breaths, if anything bad comes up, block it by chanting in your head or pausing the thought.
Anonymous
August 8th, 2015 5:55am
It seems you are taking too much stress Try to be relaxed and calm think about positive experiences and it will be helpful for you
Anonymous
August 7th, 2015 9:34pm
Because at night you have nothing else to do, you're just by yourself and your thoughts can get the best of you.
Anonymous
August 7th, 2015 6:31pm
Because you crop up everything you saw, heard and smelled that day, you're brain can't progress it fast enough.
There are multiple issues that can keep the mind active, or over-active when trying to sleep. 1- Too much energy. You haven't used all that power God gave you for the day, so when it comes the time to sleep, your mind is trying to burn that extra energy left. There's too much. 2- caffeine. I don't need to explain that one. It's best to keep away from caffeine when the day is slipping into the night. 3-stress. Built up stress doesn't take a rest. Bathing before sleeping can help relax the muscles and mind. 4- Internet. It's recommended that you turn off your devices one hour before you go to sleep. Playing video games, going on Facebook or whatever you may be up to, is re-awaking your mind. It will not help you sleep and should not be a means to help you sleep.
Meditation is an excellent way to power down at the end of the day in preparation for sleep. There are several free apps that offer quiet meditation. Also, make sure your environment is conducive to rest. (ie no light from televisions, cellphones, etc.)
There can be many reasons, maybe you're anxious, and stressed. Maybe you've had a lot of caffeine in the day. Maybe you need to relax more. Only you can know.
Anonymous
August 6th, 2015 9:47am
Is there anything that Is on your mind? Before going to bed, have a nice cup of tea maybe even draw out or rite out your problems that you'e thinking, if not you could always take sleeping pills to help you out.
Anonymous
August 5th, 2015 4:34pm
Well, there can be several reason why you're still thinking while trying to sleep. From personal experience: I try to stop stimulating my mind by being online, watching TV, etc. an hour or so before sleeping. Being online just before sleeping is one of the most common reasons for your mind to be awake when you're trying to sleep. I would do something calming just before sleeping such as a relaxing bath, praying, chanting a mantra, reading, drinking chamomile tea, and just lying down and let thoughts pass without letting them take over. Also, making a to-do list can help as this is what might keep us awake for quite a bit. These are just my suggestions though...
Imagine a beautiful setting, anything you like, a beach Island. Take 4 breathes in then hold it for 7 and release on 3. This breathing technique helps you calm down, as well prep your mind that it's time to sleep.
In my experience its because something is worrying me and being in a quiet room lets me listen to my thoughts more easily
This can be for many reasons. One being have you being using alot of electronics before going to bed e.g on your phone if so try not using them an hour before you go to bed so your brain can relax. Other reasons can be stress related or anxiety.
There are various reasons your mind might be racing as you are trying to fall asleep. From personal experience, I have learned that there might be some underlying issue that is bothering me that I haven't fully acknowledged or it could be due to emotions, such as excitement.
Anonymous
July 26th, 2015 10:08pm
It is because you are anxious. https://www.7cups.com/how-to-overcome-test-taking-anxiety/ Can help you out. If it isn't anxiety, it could be a high increase of activity in the brain since the brain isn't doing anything else.
Anonymous
July 29th, 2015 3:14am
Because that's the time you are alone and trying to relax so everything just comes rushing in to get you thinking
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