Skip to main content Skip to bottom nav

Why does it take me so long to fall asleep?

17 Answers
Last Updated: 12/27/2021 at 8:53pm
1 Tip to Feel Better
United States
Moderated by

Brooke Bowen, LPC

Counselor

I am nonjudgmental, supportive, and encouraging. I use an eclectic approach in order to empower you so you can have a happy and fulfilling future :)

Top Rated Answers
chanelsdaisy
June 28th, 2015 6:05pm
you think too much. You can't let your thoughts go.Maybe you are afraid of the next day, something you are afraid of at school?
WillBC23
January 12th, 2015 10:14am
This is a very common problem. Sometimes it can be caused by exposure to too much light, especially blue light, before bed. If you're looking at screens a lot in the evening, a program like flux may be able to help. I also have found taking melotonin to be very helpful when trying to fall asleep, I used to stay awale for at least an hour but after I started taking it I usually fall asleep within 20 minutes.
KatieWhite
April 19th, 2016 1:12am
Do you Think a lot, that can cause unrest. Do you watch tv. Or play on a phone before bed? The light can cause strain on your eyes making it harder to sleep. Also if you had caffeine too close to bed time.
Anonymous
July 7th, 2015 8:17pm
Because all of the thoughts or things I have worried about, decide to clog up my brain when I want to go to bed.
Anonymous
November 17th, 2015 6:21am
maybe you've got too much on your mind add the time. try relaxing more or doing relaxation exercises before going to sleep it might help you. there is something I do, i repeat in my head don't fall asleep multiple times and eventually I do because your brain will try not listening to what you want
LoveNotHate
April 18th, 2017 6:41am
A lot of times when you're laying in bed, you have nothing to keep you distracted so your mind likes to race endlessly. It's worthwhile to take time out of your day and find ways to manage your racing thoughts, so when it's time to lay down at the end of the day, you aren't stuck thinking for hours.
ripplesofcalm
September 3rd, 2018 4:55pm
It can be so many things, different for each person and depending on the day. Sometimes if you look at screens too soon before bed, it makes it harder for your body to produce the chemicals it needs to quiet down. Sometimes you're just wired from conversations and things that happened recently. Intentional, aware breathing can help that. It can also be from lack of exercise. I've also noticed when I'm less productive during the day, I think my body feels like it has to stay awake bc I didn't get much done, lol!
Anonymous
May 12th, 2015 1:17am
Sometimes your brain is wired from different activities like playing on your computer or on your phone, or maybe drinking sugary drinks before you go to bed. But also at times, you may not feel tired enough for your body to naturally fall asleep, hence why it takes a while to fall asleep.
Anonymous
November 3rd, 2015 9:42pm
Even now, I have this problem also. There are many reasons why it may take you so long to fall asleep. The most common one I have come across is anxiety. Throughout a person's life, it is incredibly often that worry consumes your thoughts, JUST at the wrong time! Sometimes when I lie in bed unable to sleep I find it useful to just breathe and count each breath I take. It also helps if you drink a glass of water before you go to sleep, and staying off all devices for roughly an hour previously! Lavender is also a natural smell that can be used for getting to sleep faster.
EnlightenedLux
February 15th, 2016 4:43am
This is likely because you're simply not tired. That's all. You spend your day doing physical labor for 8 hours and you'll sleep like a rock
Anonymous
May 28th, 2019 3:56pm
It is possibly your nightly routine. Maybe try not to ; use a phone or another electrical device before bed time, have a tv on in the background as this can be distracting, eat before bed as this may make you feel sick and full, drink caffeine before bed (including coffee, coke a cola etc), eat lots of sugar before bed etc. However it's possible that you have insomnia or nightmares making you afraid to sleep. If this is the case the chase of the insomnia needs to be treated. You may just be an energetic person and have too much energy to sleep, try exercising before bed to get all of the adrenaline out of your system.
Anonymous
October 3rd, 2016 9:13pm
Maybe you think about things and that is keeping your mind busy thinking instead of being busy resting.
elfieee2
January 23rd, 2018 7:32pm
Focusing too much on how long it takes you to sleep creates anxiety around the subject, ironically preventing sleep... If you try to focus your attention instead on relaxing muscles one by one, as if releasing their energy, you will with practise feel heavy and relaxed. I find that this combined with deep breathing helps me sleep immensely. Try searching sleep meditation videos to listen to on Youtube. I really think this helps with anxiety, relaxing and falling asleep quickly.
Anonymous
December 27th, 2021 8:53pm
You might be overthinking. That can be caused by anxiety, stress or fear. You keep thinking and it seems like your brain just can’t stop. This is hard, but I’m here to guide you through it! However, this isn’t the only thing that can be it. It might also be because of your devices; iPads, laptops or phones. Try putting it away some time before you go to sleep. It could also be something nerve wracking or very exciting; for example if you’re meeting new people tomorrow, you might not be able to fall asleep. It can have many reasons. Could you tell me what happens when you try to sleep?
patientFriend96
August 9th, 2016 9:06pm
If you drink caffeine before bed or have a lot on your mind, it can keep you up at night! Avoid caffeine before bed and try to calm your mind before bed (listen to music, read a book, etc.)
MilaMaric1
July 5th, 2016 10:51pm
Because your brain is very active. You should do something to calm your brain before you go to sleep. You could play sudoku, drink thee or hot milk, massage your head, write your thoughts down,...
ShinyAegislash
January 14th, 2015 10:04am
Well, whenever I feel like it's taking me too long to fall asleep, I first try to stay as still as I can and focus on my breathing. After a while I focus on one thought, and eventually I'm asleep. Listen to some soft piano also really helps.