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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I've always found that the best way to get away from feelings like this is to detach completely. I go on youtube and put on an ambient or relaxation playlist, clean the room as much as possible, make sure everything in my immediate area is secured, and lay down. I can usually parse my feelings at this point.
Anonymous
August 9th, 2015 2:21am
Since I attend school, I can relate a lot to this. What assignments are due tommorow? What assignments will be assigned tommorow? I focus on anything that isn't what's keeping me awake for as long as I can, and by then, I am usually fast asleep. I also try to mentally assure myself that everything will be okay because it will!
Anonymous
August 8th, 2015 9:05pm
You can try and do lots of things. Try and lay down and relax your mind a little by reading, watching TV, listening to music or just concentrating on going to sleep in the first place. There are the common strategies like counting sheep or slowing your breaths that supposedly help.
This happens to me most of the time, what i usually do is read a book or an article online to take my mind of my thoughts and i immediately fall asleep :) there are a lot of stress relievers and they all depend whether they work on you or not. Some people sing a song or leave one playing. Some people pray out loud then silently. :)
Anonymous
August 8th, 2015 8:18am
Try listening to calming music, not rap but it doesn't have to be classical. One with a nicely paced beat.
Anonymous
August 8th, 2015 1:52am
You should close your eyes and take a deep breath. Also you should think about things you like and love
I have many ways tried and experimented,try them..whichever works for you:
1.Make a deal with your mind that you will think about whatever thought going on for 10 minutes and then it will give you 10 minutes
2.Count 1 while inhaling and 2 while exhaling with minimum thoughts.
3.Sing yourself a lullaby or any soothing song with repetitive words and rhythm.
I hope anyone of them helps you.Take care :)
Try reading a book before you go to sleep so that you have something else to think about, it'll help take your mind of the stress.
Take some deep breaths and try to calm yourself down. Maybe read a book, play a game, take a long relaxing bath, etc. Try talking to someone about it as well.
This may not work for everyone, but sometimes watching television while trying to fall asleep can help. By focusing on something, thoughts are interrupted and sleep may come easier. Of course watching television while trying to sleep can have the opposite of the intended effect on people, but it's worth a shot!
Anonymous
August 6th, 2015 2:31pm
i felt like that a lot too. now i just don't stop them. i let them carry on until i have nothing to think about or until i become really tired.
Anonymous
August 6th, 2015 10:30am
There's a little trick. Try to repeat 0-1-0-1.. in your mind. You will fall asleep and your brain won't have the chance to bring other things in your mind because it is busy counting!
I would suggest seeking help from a certified professional. If anxiety is causing these problems, look to the 7 Cups Of Tea Anxiety page.
Observe your breathing pattern. It really helps in clearing thoughts off and getting peaceful sleep.
When I feel that way, I usually play some music or read because it narrows my thoughts to one thing.
I would recommend speaking to someone about this thoughts... I've been there and it really takes a weigh of your shoulders
Turning and twisting in your bed will create negative association to your bed- it's a place where you can't sleep. So go up and try again later when you feel sleepy.
I'm really bad at this, ive tried everthing camomile tea, relaxing music, trying to clear my mind or count. I know its not the best outcome but if I really can't sleep my last resort which really isn't very often is two phenergan tablets there drowsy antihistamines so not addictive or very strong I know I'll feel a lot better and less stressed after a good night sleep
Anonymous
August 2nd, 2015 11:57am
you could try exercising. it's a great way to relax, get all that stress out and then get a good night's sleep.
Anonymous
August 1st, 2015 10:44pm
Try some relaxation methods to take your mind off of things. I usually try to read something quite uninteresting in a dim light and eventually my brain starts responding by feeling tired.
i would recommend an audio book. find a topic you are interested in, so you get absorbed in the narration. then close your eyes and focus on the reader's voice. there's a app called Overdrive that gives access to free audio books from libraries near you. You can download the mp3 files for a book into your phone, so you can access the book offline as well.
Anonymous
August 1st, 2015 11:21am
I highly recommend quietly listening to podcasts, radio, or any other talk radio kind of show. I usually play something on my iphone, and when I start to fade I turn it off.
For a more organic approach visualization can be used. Try visualizing how your day will go tomorrow, think of all the most positive outcomes.
Well, sometimes music can help, just to calm you or find positions in which make you more comfortable. I mean, It could be more like an anxiety or insomnia disorder which is different or most people.
just get up and do something else. while trying you wont get sleep,so you eill again try and it goes on like a cycle.so better if you dont get sleep,dont struggle, get up,doo something and sleep when you feels sleepy
Anonymous
July 31st, 2015 11:42am
Perhaps write down you're issues or get someone to just listen whilst you vent. Other than that i'd try escapism, watch a movie, read a book before bed, or listen to some ambient soundtracks like rain.
In my personal experience, listening to music helps when I can't shut my brain off and I need to sleep. If I focus more on the music than my own thoughts, it helps my brain relax and start going into sleep mode.
Anonymous
July 30th, 2015 10:26pm
Sometimes reading before bed can distract the brain and tire the eyes out, or even counting backwards from 100 can help you doze off as well.
Try doing something calming before bed. Remove and turn off all devices in your room. Open the window 15 minutes before hand to let in fresh air. Make a hot caffeine free drink like hot milk, chamomile tea or hot chocolate. Leave lavender in your pillow cases. If you still can't get to sleep try relaxation apps like white noise or rain
When this happens to me, I normally put music on in my headphones and it is all I can hear, I put it on a low volume. I even made a playlist for bed of just my favourite songs, it helps me a lot and it shuts of any thoughts. :)
This often happens to me when I'm stressed about the future, so I often journal to try to get my thoughts on paper. I also stick to a very struck sleep routine so as to sooth my brain.
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