There are nights when we simply can’t fall asleep, and instead of relaxing, we toss and turn in bed with one question on our minds: why can’t I sleep?
Typically, we attribute the restlessness in our minds to the multitude of thoughts that invade it; and these thoughts undeniably play a significant role. However, there are other reasons why we might be wide awake, and recognizing them may be all you need to finally resolve the issue.
So Why Can’t I Sleep?
The Stress Hormone Is Keeping You Awake
When cortisol, the stress hormone, rises, we feel anxious and fatigued.
Therefore, the nighttime hours turn into a period for problem-solving and our minds remain alert, as it’s in our natural inclination to search for solutions to our issues.
There is No Solution…
It might seem counterintuitive, but the reality is that if your activity during sleepless nights involves trying to find a solution to that persistent thought, understand that you are on the wrong path.
Just know that even the old advice to count sheep is counterproductive: counting implies cognitive activation and only serves to further wake up our brains and postpone the moment of sleep.
If you want to fall asleep focus on your breath, being mindful of visualizing your abdomen rising and falling, and make an effort to not silence the thoughts that arise but rather let them pass through you and come back to your breathing.
Anxiety-Induced Insomnia
How often have you been unable to sleep due to anxiety about something that will happen the next day?
Anxiety is a highly activating emotion that keeps us awake and prevents us from letting go and letting our bodies relax.
If you want to unwind — at least at night — try using your imagination.
Mentally create a scenario or a believable narrative, envisioning individuals, scenery, and the unfolding of events in a step-by-step fashion. This practice can facilitate better sleep and lead to an improved mood upon awakening. Basically, just make up stories in your mind to distract yourself from your own problems!
“First Night” Insomnia
It’s called the “first night” effect, and it’s that insomnia that strikes when we sleep for the first time in a new environment.
If we try to understand it from a scientific perspective, the left hemisphere of the brain keeps us awake to deal with any potential dangers in the new environment.
The same dynamic can occur at home, not due to the environment, but because of a new situation that we perceive as full of dangers, keeping us awake to avoid being unprepared.
The solution? Try turning on the lights and rationally assessing the new environment and any uncertainties (even metaphorical ones). Once you have examined and resolved them while awake, turn off the light and put it out of your mind.
**7, 8 or 12 hours of sleep? Science tells you how long you need to sleep according to your age**
This article first appeared on grazia.it — Author: Elisa Castellano
