Why does it have to always hit me so randomly? Some nights I beg my brain to stay awake past 9 and then there’s nights like this where I’m wide awake for no reason

  • iarigby@lemmy.world
    1·
    6 months ago

    My rules to have a higher chance of falling asleep at 11-12

    • always wake up early, even after I went to bed late, otherwise I won’t be able to fall asleep on time
    • no active brain work (studying, working) after 8pm
    • no food after 7-8pm
    • no ceiling lights after 8-9 pm, only yellow dim lamps
    • no staying in bed if I couldn’t fall asleep. get up, go to another room, try again in 15-20 minutes
    • Mrs_deWinter@feddit.de
      1·
      6 months ago

      To add:

      • No visible clocks. If possible don’t check the time at all while trying to sleep. Doing math at night (aka “oh no only 4 hours left”) only makes you angry or sad.
      • No alcohol. If unavoidable, try to be sober by the time you want to fall asleep. (Dring sooner, if at all.)
      • No coffee after midday. Some bodies suck at metabolising it.
      • Bedroom should be as dark and silent and comfy as possible. If there’s any way you can add comfort, do it.
      • For persisting sleep problems: Change position or location. (E.g. turn completely around in your bed, feet at the headrest, or sleep on the couch if comfortable.) Brains are very good at linking a location with a state of mind, and changing things around can help if the thought of your bed stresses you out already.

      For severe problems it’s probably always wise to check with a physician, or if there’s specific stuff in your head that keeps you awake to consider telling a friend or therapist about it. To distance yourself from your thoughts is something everybody can learn and it can be tremendously helpful with stuff like that.