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How do I stop over thinking at night?

235 Answers
Last Updated: 06/10/2022 at 2:59pm
1 Tip to Feel Better
United Kingdom
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Top Rated Answers
Anonymous
June 3rd, 2016 8:00am
Try and watch something interesting on tv, or rather talk about a nice topic with your friends. It really helps. You can also try to think about your passion and do something creative, Nights are the best time to do something good about yourselves.
Fristo
June 20th, 2021 1:27am
Understandably, night time could particularly take a toll on the mind. All your doubts and sorrows that you could have been successfully ignoring throughout the day, seek your attention at night time. You feel puzzled and are unable to have answers - making the thoughts repeat themselves in your mind. It, then, is helpful to practise mindfulness towards your thoughts and feelings and look to observe and understand them from a distance, not just at night, but throughout your day. Just as a caring parent goes a distance to help bring a smile to their child's face, allow the same care to flow from you towards your mind. Get to know your mind and its needs more, its health more, and direct it towards engagements which bring it a lasting fulfillment.
Anonymous
February 9th, 2020 7:33pm
In most cases, I find that people who say they are "overthinking" turn out to be "underthinking" -- that is, they tend to forget many facts that are highly relevant to the thing they're "overthinking" about, letting their worries grow to monstrous proportions with little resemblance to reality. The best way to stop "overthinking" is to recognize it as "underthinking", then do a meditation exercise for a minute or two, or five. Get yourself grounded, outside of the things that are worrying you, and take a clear look at all the facts that might have some bearing on your difficulties. When you have the facts in mind, practice acceptance: if you can change things, change them. If you can't, then no amount of "overthinking" will do you any good, so add that fact to the others you have pulled together, and practice letting go of the things you can't change
kindDreamer9743
February 29th, 2020 10:00am
This is really an awkward thing to deal with but with practice it can be over ruled by having patience and learn how to focus, firstly a quiet room as possible is best and either sitting or laying down and a pair of headphones would be an advantage, think of something that really calms you normally: rainfall, gentle wind through trees etc and by using media find a suitable meditation/relaxation sound/video and play this to yourself without interruptions and concentrate on the smallest details in the sounds just imagining yourself to be there, find a sound file that's suits you! and if it works/calms you revisit that situation again and again so you end up with that being your cushion where you can lose the other thoughts behind, I find this been done when your in bed so you can just drift off.
Dogmatix8
February 24th, 2018 11:41pm
1)Before going to sleep, write everything that is worrying you down in a journal or diary. I find this to be very helpful. 2) Another tactic is to think in a week, a month or a few years how much will the thing you'll be worrying about matter? Often it will be not at all. 3) Try to establish a routine before bed, not looking at screens etc. Good luck xo
Matthew2414
November 29th, 2018 3:08pm
Nighttime anxiety is a recognized condition. Finding some relaxing activities, like walking, reading, sketching, listening to music, can help. Also some find that smelling Lavender oil or taking Lemon Balm extract capsules can help as well. You can also try writing - take a piece of paper and write down all the words that are going through your mind. That can help your brain sort it all out. You can also try just accepting it - say to yourself "OK, you are worried about something, it's ok. I'll be with you and you can be the way you are for as long as you need to be." Then take a few deep breaths and listen to what comes back.
gentleHoney34
August 3rd, 2018 2:15am
I spend a lot of time doing things that I like- for example: being intentional with my friends/relationships, taking time for myself, spending time outside, or just doing different things.
RainbowConnection74
May 20th, 2018 12:13pm
Make sure to get an early night and help your brain relax by cutting down phone and laptop use at night, try and avoid blue light in your room, no caffeine after the evening and try not to eat too late at night. Then try and do relaxing activities like baths or reading to keep yourself in a nice frame of mind before you sleep
Brightheart993
June 28th, 2018 2:42am
It can be hard to quiet the mind at night, but one thought to keep in mind is that it's night time and you can't do anything until the morning. Some techniques that help are deep breathing, counting sheep, visualizing yourself in your dream environment, reading a book, or even listening to soothing music.
lia2804
December 19th, 2020 12:05pm
Hi! Overthinking is something many of us are susceptible to. It is a part of human nature and you should not feel ashamed when you do so. One possible way to overcome overthinking is to complete a relaxation ritual before sleeping. This can help to clear your mind and place you in a comfortable mindset. I personally use the free app Pzizz which has a sleep guide that takes you through the processing of drifting of and allows you to personalise the track as you would like. Try to normalise this routine as your mind will then recognise the realization ritual as a sign that deep sleep is near.
2ThyneOwnSelfBeTrue
July 20th, 2018 4:04am
create a bedtime routine for yourself turn off the electronics and pick up a warm beverage and good book instead
happyEmbrace15
October 29th, 2020 5:35pm
Try to distract your mind. you can read a book before going to sleep or you can watch something delightful to freshen up your mood. Then try to sleep, follow a routine like this,it will help slowly.
courageousWriting01
September 29th, 2018 10:38am
During the day try and clear all things that will worry you as at night is when your brain is most active and it will keep you up overthinking and worrying. For this try and do something during the day that might have an interest to you from going on a walk to listening to music to going out with friends this will distract your brain meaning when it comes to sleeping at night or going to bed it will have nothing on it to worry or think about. Meditation is a great method of relaxing the mind and brain to stop overthinking.
Anonymous
April 8th, 2022 10:05pm
There are a few tricks I would like to suggest. Go with whatever floats your boat. 1. A hot bath before bed. 2.Read few pages of books. 3. Take a small walk before sleep. 4. Avoid intoxication and digital screens. 6. Avoid heavy meal before bed. 7. Listen to soothing music (classical/binaural). 8. If you can't stop your thoughts and just keep changing your sides but can't sleep, get up and do some small task and give one more try. 9. Pray before getting into bed. Be grateful. 10. Get a professional help rather than relying on online information. Everyone is unique because of their experiences.
CitySparkle13
October 14th, 2018 4:12pm
When I am overthinking at night, I always look up happy, inspiring and encouraging quotes. Or when that doesn't work, I get a piece of paper together with a pen and write a good page full of positive thoughts, things and/or compliments I have gotten. Or I write down all nice events that did happen already, or are soon to be happening. Things I am looking forward to. Also I tend to think about how far I have already come in life, what I already overcome and what I have achieved. Doing one of these things always helps me to stop overthinking. You should really try!
Hotcocoabooks
November 14th, 2018 1:02pm
Over thinking at night usually means we are unable to leave behind whatever happened during the day, but there are ways to stop overthinking! Personally, I like getting into bed and taking deep breaths. I try to feel the mattress supporting my weight (in this way I'm focusing on things other than the events of my day). Other times, I focus on my breaths, in and out. Other people like to meditate before bed, and to those who like meditation, I recommend an app called Calm (it has meditation exercises snd even a section called sleep stories that are actually effective). Some others like to write down in their journals. It depends on what helps you unwind!
Anonymous
December 15th, 2018 11:21am
Listen relaxing music that it works better for you to keep away all the thoughts you can have, sometimes read a book can help you too because will keep your mind focused in something, if you drink you can tak one drink or two to feel more relaxed and have better dreams also you can draw whatever you feel in that moment as I do when I'm feeling the axiety to do something I draw how I feel or what am I living in that moment cause when I'm done it's like I just translate what I felt and feel more comfortable with mysefl cause I just draw what I feel
DarlingDink
December 19th, 2018 5:56pm
Take a deep breath, and perhaps find some peaceful music on YouTube to fall asleep to.I enjoy sounds of rain, there are many options to try! Imagine pleasant things, tell yourself stories and create a world of your own in your head. Breath deeply, and know that the next day will bring new opportunities and experiences for you to enjoy. Let the worries, anxiety and doubt fade away into a mist, and allow yourself to peacefully drift into sleep. Look forward to all the potential that the new day will bring, be motivated and ready to take on the world! Wishing you peaceful sleep, and wonderful dreams. :)
funnyRiver21
January 2nd, 2019 12:07am
I really struggle with anxiety-related insomnia. My brain wouldn't sleep but my body would, leading to sleep paralysis and night terrors. One thing I find really helps is meditation, especially ones that are designed to help you sleep. There's an app I use called Smiling Mind. It's completely free and has something like 16 different programs, including 3 for sleep. It has definitely helped me sleep better and overall my concentration and anxiety have improved. Meditation doesn't work for everyone but I hope it works for you. I find it incredibly helpful, even during the day. Hope this helps!
Returncontrol2u
February 3rd, 2019 10:47am
Routine. Our bodies and minds are responsive to doing the same thing over and over again. You must start by showing your body what to do. First- Develop a physical routine at night and stick with it. Good examples include turning off lights where you are and putting all electronic things face down. Also something that is your favorite or a "happy" task such as drinking warm tea or watching a favorite show. Whatever it is, do it at the same time and stop it at the same time every night. This repetitive behavior will eventually be "picked up" by your body clock and signal the "winding down" for your mind. Second - Perform repetitive mental tasks before sleep. Same idea as physical but you control your mind to do certain tasks before putting your brain to sleep. At first you will seem to have no affect. Keep at it and eventually your brain will slowly give you control, generally over several months. Being nervous about a big meeting or some other life event can disrupt this process and that is why it takes so long. Give your brain time to bow to your will and continue to will it into your desired behavior. After a long time of falling asleep at the same time and after the same thoughts your brain will get the habit and respond more easily. If this process takes more than 6 months or if the "same thing" keeps block you from creating a routine talk to a therapist and discuss what is coming up for you. Remember you move your mouth and you move your arms so your brain is in your command. We let it free so our feelings are allowed expression, but we decide what comes next. Find the balance of take command and keep free thinking for yourself and you will likely find joy in every day.
MimiEcouteAuCoinDuFeu
September 1st, 2019 12:31am
I personally experienced long nights of thinking, especially when I should be sleeping. And of course, i think about the worst memories I can... shame, fooleries, how-I-should-have-react, and anticipating the worst possible things... That makes me turn on one side and the other all night long, and I get warm. I never got to stop thinking in circles, but I have discovered that reducing my body temperature was an effective way to find sleep. Any tip to fight overwarmth is valuable : remove a layer, turn radiator down, refresh with a wet towel. My prefered is : open a window, stay 5 minutes there, hear night sounds. Then my bed is colder, and it's so much easier to fall asleep !
Anonymous
June 10th, 2022 2:59pm
Over thinking is a serious problem sometimes, at night especially. Sometimes we can't shut off our brains and lose sleep over it. The greatest thing about overthinking is that sometimes we can make decisions, and that's good. But overall, over thinking negatively impacts us to lose sleep and think WAY too much. First, start by trying to do some deep breathing and other calming things to make you calm down. If it helps, take a Nyquil or Xyzal to help you sleep. Otherwise, sit in bed and think of nothing, it can be helpful to clear your mind before sleep hits. Look up some foods that can make you sleepy online, too. You'd be surprised at what foods can make you sleepy. Take care!!
doog
January 17th, 2020 6:00am
The most obvious and annoying answer is probably go to sleep. But there's something keeping you up, isn't there? Something incessantly oscillating in your mind, like, a loud, dripping faucet. You cannot bring your eyelids together no matter how you will or bellow, because there are a million racing thoughts between them, like cars without brakes and infinite gas supply that is in reality your scarce patience and energy. So we've identified the issue: you need to sleep but these thoughts are in the way and it's an endless cycle. Everyone has their own respecting tricks to wind down and slow their engines, you just need to do some trial and error. Try looking for things that calm you down and take your mind off the thoughts. Do something like read, draw, listening to music, drinking 7 cups of tea ;) , hugging a stuffy, reading the most boring textbook you have, writing down your thoughts and setting them aside, etc; anything that distracts you or calms you down. Don't worry, you'll have time later to worry. Because know this. This ought to stop your thoughts day or night (and I'm sorry if it fails): You cannot solve everything in this moment. It's impossible and you're asking too much of yourself. It's okay, and it's going to be okay. Stop being obsessed with the problem, because right now we have to sleep. Tomorrow is a new day, to wake up refreshed to conquer! :)
Anonymous
January 8th, 2020 1:01am
Do you meditate at night? Do you play special sleep music? Do you make a list BEFORE you get into bed about all the things that are bothering you, and all the to-dos on the list? We call this a brain dump. Doing a brain dump BEFORE you get into bed, and through the day can really help keep the mind clear of what if, and how about and remember to do things. Meditation also provides calm and better sleep quality. So lots of things that you can do, they all require adding the list, but it is worth it, if you do them regularly.
firecrackersintheeast
December 28th, 2019 1:45am
I try to have a nighttime routine, which conditions my brain to just shut up when it's time for bed. I brush my teeth, wash my face, put on some lotion (try lavender or chamomile scents to help you fall asleep/relax easier). You can also try incorporating some other soothing activities, like drinking (caffeine free!) tea, or reading a book. I also like meditation practices when I feel like my mind is just racing. I like to do breathing exercises and imagine a stream or river in my mind, and take each thought that comes into my head and placing it into the stream, like a stick that just floats away.
Anonymous
November 13th, 2019 4:09am
My personal solution to this is to have some kind of talking (radio, a podcast, familiar TV) going quietly as I'm falling asleep. Without this, my thoughts tend to run wild and keep me awake. But with the chatter in the background, something calm and quiet but that still has words/dialogue to listen to, my mind is more easily able to listen to that instead of it's own incessant chatter. Listening to something I really want to pay attention to like an audio book I've never heard before is not a good choice for me because that keeps me awake too. So it's about finding the sweet spot of holding a bit of my attention without holding too much of my attention.
LemonSea
July 3rd, 2019 6:46am
It can be helpful to have a bedtime routine, which helps prepare your mind for sleep. Additionally, strategies like free writing or meditating before bed, can help to calm these thoughts. Examples of an evening routine can include: taking a hot shower (physically helps you to sleep), making sure you have a tidy and organised space to sleep in, or having a calming drink. It can also help to play music that you determine to be soothing. If you stick to this routine, your mind will start associating it with sleep. Adding journaling or meditation to this routine, can help you get all of those thoughts onto paper, before calming your mind for sleep.
dxphne
March 28th, 2019 10:22am
This is hard, because at night your brain reflects on everything that's been on your mind for the past day. It can really cause a lot of sleepless nights. Try clearing your head by talking about everything that bothers you and if that doesn't help i'd recommend writing your thoughts down before you go to sleep. You could also try to distract yourself by reading before sleeping or falling asleep whilst listening to music or watching tv. Try not to get frustrated when you feel yourself overthinking because that will just make it harder to go to sleep, you'll get very worked up instead and that doesn't solve anything.
glowingNutella14
April 11th, 2019 2:10pm
Take time to develop the skill of becoming quiet and putting away the day emotionally and with prayer (if you enjoy prayer). Create a bedtime routine where you depart from worries - and focus on a bath, stretching where you also say affirmations, thanks for the day - and invest into positive mental habits (and not allow worries to consume you all day long). In your day practice positive problem solving and take action. Let yourself appreciate Peace, resolution, and accomplishment. So, overthinking is like a runaway train... learn to identify what the real source of that is, why is overthinking happening? What is it about? What can you actually do about real issues? Then become Peaceful and appreciative, and practice diet and healthy living too. Invest in good habits, goodness, and positivity. If there are real situations to take care of - then be proactive and take care of the business at hand.
Anonymous
March 22nd, 2019 6:04pm
Overthinking at night is never nice and can often be an effect of mental health issues or a stressful event. There are a few ways to help prevent overthinking at night. The first being, writing a journal/diary. This helps getting your thoughts out and onto paper - you could rip this up after as a metaphorical symbol of getting rid of these thoughts and/or worries. Sometimes trying therapy or counselling can help this but it depends on the person. Talk about your thoughts to a family member, friend, or helpline such as the Samaritans might help too. Try something. Good luck