I'm stressed out and when I try to go to sleep I can't shut off my thoughts. What should I do?
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Last Updated: 02/21/2022 at 11:19am
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Top Rated Answers
Anonymous
December 13th, 2015 5:12pm
Things that help me are hugging a teddy bear. Fighting the thoughts by saying in my head they are not relevant, writing down what I am thinking so it gets out of my head, and thinking about other things.
Anonymous
December 13th, 2015 10:50am
You should try and get the doctor to prescribe you with sleeping pills as they can really help you shut off your thought and make you sleep better
Anonymous
December 13th, 2015 2:33am
I think that the best thing to do would be to listen to calming music or trying some yoga. It worked for me very well :)
Anonymous
December 12th, 2015 2:17pm
You should listen to some music. Not to think about that too much . Drink or eat something. Hope everything will be ok!
best is to think about a wonderful experience you encountered and keep it there. sleep will follow shortly if you linger long enough.
I either count backwards from 100 or listen to music and focus on one part of it. The bass, the drums, the singer's voice. Sail by Awolnation is a good one because it has so much going on that trying to isolate one detail of it keeps you distracted from your thoughts. Lindsey Stirling is amazing to listen to as well, especially the songs moon trance and elements
Anonymous
October 26th, 2015 7:01pm
For me, it helps to have a notebook and pen by my bed so that I can write down all my thoughts. This way, they are out of my head and written down so I can review this later.
Anonymous
October 16th, 2015 12:21am
I myself have the same problem, I usually start by watching a some tv and lighting a lavender scented candle (They are proven to enhance sleep), to get my mind off the things that are stressing me out I avoid talking to any people that have to do with that a couple hours before laying down.. and I think about all the productive things I have done, and rather than thinking about all the things I have to do the next day I think about one thing and how I can get it done to avoid anxiety.
This is so common. Night time we often tend to worry and stress more. However, we can reduce the negativity and get a successful nights rest by doing a couple simple tools to ease the mind. Perhaps a bubble bath before bed for relaxation? Maybe read a book, meditate, watch something lighthearted on television. Anything that is soothing for the mind to help silence the flow of thoughts.
I have the same problem too, mostly when I am really stressed about something. Even though I tell myself that I should sleep and that there is nothing I can do right now and overthinking doesn't help, the thoughts keep coming. Every person is different but I find that ASMR videos helped my a lot. I also found that I sleep better when I turn off the computer early and read a book instead. Drinking something relaxing or taking a hot bath can also help, and in general trying to set a sleeping routine.
Take deep breaths, and focus on clearing your mind. Take some time for yourself, and work out any techniques that may help you relax.
Try to drink manzanilla tea it helps you to relax and sleep comfy, try to clear out your mind for a while
In fact it is nearly impossible to shut off thoughts. don't try to stop. just observe them without involve emotionally. you feel light. then try to remember your happy movements for couple of minutes and then try to count 100 to 0 slowly.. very slowly.... very very slowly... . I hope you never come up to zero, because, in between you already fallen in tot deep sleep. It helped a lot of people. Why not for you?
Great way I find to get to sleep is close your eyes and lay in bed. Tense your hole body and slowly bit by bit from you toes up to your head relax each bit. Another great way is a visual exercise. I visualise my dream house. I start from the path to the gate and think of all the flowers and plants in the front garden, the colours and the item and so one and slowly make my way through. It's a great way to get your brain shutting down!
Sleep difficulties was also part of my life, whenever I have a stressful phase or situation. However, I managed to overcome my sleep difficulties with aromatherapy which is referred to as essential oil therapy. I tried the lavender scented essential oil before bedtime and it really helped me to relax my stressed out mind. Besides that, meditation on a soothing therapeutic music just half and hour before bedtime really helps to unwind. Been doing it for months and I can see a vast difference in my sleep troubles.
Anonymous
August 15th, 2015 5:24am
Well. Whenever I csnt shut off my thoughts as you put it before I go to sleep I play relaxing music to try to help calm me. And I also try to think about good things that happened and avoid the bad thoughts.
Well if this has been constant you should probably see a doctor or a councillor. They are able to provide you with therapy or sleeping pills
Anonymous
August 14th, 2015 5:32pm
There are several good things that you can do. One thing is, if you're worrying about remembering things for tomorrow, you can keep a piece of paper and a pen next to your bed and write things down. That way, you don't have to focus on that anymore. If it's general stress/anxiety, you could try progressive muscle relaxation and deep breathing exercises. Feel free to check out our self-help guide on sleeping well....it has some great ideas also!! https://www.7cups.com/sleeping-well/
Meditation is helpful when trying to sleep. There are lots of good meditation videos to listen to on youtube
Have a nice warm bath an hour before you go to sleep. Stay away from any electronics devices. Try not to watch anything that will keep you up all night or that will stop you from falling asleep.
Anonymous
August 13th, 2015 5:30pm
Maybe just open your window and breathe a fresh air. Go to sleep with a fresh mind, fresh thoughts.
Anonymous
August 13th, 2015 1:57pm
I have this same problem. Help please? I'm up an average of 2 nights a week till at least 2am, but it used to be almost every night, and now it's getting to that point again.
Anonymous
August 13th, 2015 10:48am
Have you tried tea before going to sleep? It's not really my place to be giving advice, because it can come up as unhelpful and maybe even more stressful - try speaking to a guardian, sibling, or doctor. A doctor may be able to prescribe medication to help with your sleeping problem.
From my personal experience I find that you have to make time in your day at least two hrs before bed to make a plan to try and resolve the things that are stressing you. After that is done be confident in your plan and try to let it go. Take steps before bed to unwind. Whether that means taking a shower or bath, listening to some relaxing music, meditation, reading a book. The point is for it to not invoke high energy or emotions. Practice breathing techniques and try to aim for a consistent schedule. This is what has worked for me in the past. Hope it helps!
I experience that quite often. Usually, I grab a book and start reading it. I try to choose a "easy read".
It's tough to focus at first, but then I start to get into the story and after a few pages I start to feel more relaxed. It's a lot easier to fall asleep then :)
Anonymous
August 12th, 2015 5:28am
Do what you love never work a day in your life. Do what you dream never sleep another! !!!!!!!!!!!
Try to find something to do that will help calm you down--such as reading or listening to relaxing music. This can make it easier to fall asleep.
If I were you, I would first of all try to speak with a doctor about your sleeping issues, maybe the can hook you up with the right medication. Sleeping is one of the most important things!
Create an evening routine that follows up to bedtime. Doing this routine will remind your body in the future when to get tired. Also, cutting off cell phone use/television/hearing bad news before going to bed can help.
Speaking from my own experience, I find it extremely helpful to read a few pages of a book or listen to calming music for a little while. I suggest staying away from using electronic devices in bed as this can keep your brain over-active and it'll be even harder to rest!
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