Skip to main content Skip to bottom nav

Why can't I fall asleep automatically?

16 Answers
Last Updated: 09/15/2020 at 10:15am
1 Tip to Feel Better
United States
Moderated by

Jessica McDaniel, LPC, LCPC

Licensed Professional Counselor

I have been practicing cognitive behavioral psychotherapy since 2007 with a diverse group of adult clients with various diagnoses, all races, and socioeconomic classes.

Top Rated Answers
coco15
April 24th, 2015 4:28pm
Many times when we are unable to fall asleep quickly it's because this maybe the first point in the day that we are unable to distract ourselves from the days events. Everything can come rushing back to us all at once in a continuous flow. It's important to acknowledge these thoughts and tell yourself that I will work on this tomorrow. Having a routine prior to bed can allow you to have consistency with regards to a sleep pattern. We can alleviate the stress if we make a To Do list, read, journal, or a combination. The consistency will lead to better sleep.
Anonymous
May 30th, 2015 8:56pm
Many people find that they cannot fall asleep easily. For some their mind is racing with the thoughts of the day, and others it's filled with worry. It's different foe everyone
Anonymous
June 7th, 2015 4:38pm
try this . i do this when i cant sleep 1) count from 100 to 1 backwards 2)every number with each breath (the slower the better ) 3) focus only on your breath ( along with counting them backwards from hundred )
Anonymous
September 28th, 2015 7:58am
Because my mind bothers me with so many issues when im trying to sleep and i cant get them out of my head
healinglight79
December 28th, 2015 10:11pm
you may have some concerns on your mind. stay calm and tell yourself that you can worry tomorrow. another idea is you could write your worries on a piece of paper so they are off your mind. a cup of tea and good music can help you relax.
Anonymous
February 9th, 2016 2:18pm
Perhaps because your mind needs to empty for you to rest. Factors like stress, worry, excitement and general over thinking really affect your ability to relax as does even small things like the temperature of the room you sleep in.
befree87
March 28th, 2016 2:11pm
my brain has many ideas and sometimes it struggles with sleep. Or I'm over thinking things from the past
StayStrongNeverLoseHope
March 28th, 2016 9:25pm
Probably because you're overthinking everything in your mind, thoughts are always awake the most at night. Try to relax and not focus on anything.
CharleyR
August 22nd, 2016 9:21pm
It often takes people a long time to fall asleep, many things can affect your ability to sleep. You could try doing some relaxation exercises before bed to held calm your mind
Anonymous
September 26th, 2016 4:05am
Sometimes when thought are racing through your head, it's very hard to sleep. Try writing all your problems down in a notepad a couple hours before bed to get it all out; clear your mind.
warmRiver38
October 3rd, 2016 5:32pm
Sleeping can be hard sometimes, and that's okay. Try to lay in your bed, close your eyes and imagine yourself sinking into the bed as you sleep if that makes sense. I'm not sure why you can't fall asleep automatically, it could range from a number of different issues including mental, emotional and/or physical health.
comfythoughts
March 28th, 2017 12:50am
Everyone sleeps differently, but one of my problems with sleeping was that I didn't give myself any time to decompress. I'd finish my homework and immediately try to sleep, but my brain was still up and running. Now I try to give myself about an hour or so of "Me Time" before bed; it really helps with calming down and not stressing about my lack of sleep.
Wanderess22
September 18th, 2017 9:42am
You cannot fall asleep automatically, maybe because you are not physically tired. If you have random thoughts then overthinking could be the reason too. Take a warm shower and wear comfortable clothes before going to bed. Use the app CALM, it is actually really nice if you have trouble in sleeping. Good luck!
globalHope81
June 5th, 2018 1:55am
I don't know, maybe try doing some sleeping exercises, or go see a therapist about it, they can help!
Anonymous
September 11th, 2018 9:13am
That’s a good question. On average most people fall asleep in about 15 minuets; it’s because if the body doesn’t move for 15 you fall asleep. But let’s be real, not everyone is average. I know I’m not. But back to your question there are many factors to discuss. It can be because of your diet, yes caffeine can keep you up at night. It could be stress & anxiety that keeps your thoughts racing and your mind occupied. Or it could be a sleep disorder like insomnia. If you feel as though it is becoming frequent and concerning I would contact a doctor! Best wishes!
Anonymous
September 15th, 2020 10:15am
We ruminate about our day and that keeps us awake. Maybe we consumed a great deal of caffeine and our minds want to say awake. Or maybe, simply we have a biological condition that keeps us awake like pain, or loss in some neuro sensors. What we can try is a well thought bedtime routine. Dimming the light before two hours of going to sleep, not to get exposed to blue light for at least one hour and meditation. Moreover, meditation would also clear mind by allowing your mind to wander and then keeping your mind free. So, why not next time give this bedtime routine a try and reply back to me!