Difficulty winding down at night

[julie3]

Hi,

 

I attend an ivy league university with a heavy workload. I'm majoring in psychology. I have difficulty winding down at night despite being tired. I know this may sound bizarre, but I'm way too curious about the world (people and society). This keeps me up at night because I don't give myself a chance to relax without my electronics. I'm constantly on my laptop/iPhone googling aspects of society such as diseases, disorders, behaviors etc. I understand that it's normal to be curious, but I'm letting this affect my life. I only get 4 hours of sleep per night because I'm on my phone. Also, Id rather do this than my homework. Sometimes I neglect assignments just so I can google meaningless things that probably no one else thinks about. My lack of sleep is affecting my cognitive ability and my grades. I try to justify it by saying "at least I'm not playing video games" or something along those lines. However I still need advice on how to change my habits. Why do I operate like this? None of my friends at school have this issue. Thanks in advance.

[Eclypse]

I can't offer any advice, except to say that I am just like you. I love having my iPhone as I just look up anything I'm interested in on a whim. For me it's usually historical or political based events. If someone mentions something interesting which I think I don't know too much about I'll just whip out my phone and start looking at it. Lately I've been reading up on people who've vanished under mysterious circumstances. God I could spend all night doing it!

 

I guess you could try and force yourself to put away the phone after a certain hour. It works for me sometimes... but I usually crack and pick it up eventually

[Emilia]

My lack of sleep is affecting my cognitive ability and my grades. I try to justify it by saying "at least I'm not playing video games" or something along those lines. However I still need advice on how to change my habits. Why do I operate like this? None of my friends at school have this issue. Thanks in advance.

Possibly an addiction.

 

You need regular high intensity physical exercise to snap you out of this mode and to physically tire you enough to sleep well.

[d0nnivain]

You need to change your routine. Try to avoid doing things other than sleeping in your bed. I know that can be hard in the dorms. Establish a routine, say going to bed at midnight. Then about 1 hour before your bedtime, dial back your activities. Do not use electronics -- no internet, no TV, no video games as those are highly stimulating activities. Instead read for pleasure. Learn to meditate or do relaxing breathing exercises. Perhaps try to drink a cup of herbal tea before bed; I like Sleepy Time.

[mea_M]

Hi there. This happens to me often. I feel like my brain just won't shut off. The negative of this is lack of quality sleep. And with a boat load of kids to take care of, it's not a plus for me. So, I will say this. Stop any and all caffeine by noon if possible. Shut down the phone and electronics a couple hours before bed. All of the above can over stimulate us making it impossible for us to settle in for the night. I know I've made progress by doing all of the above. Good luck.

 

Mea:)

[julie3]

Thanks for all your helpful answers!

[Ninjainpajamas]

I am the same way, my brain is constantly going and I can't just sit there and relax even at bed time....which is funny because when I was a kid/teen I spent so much time starring out the window doing nothing but being stuck in deep thought, appreciating the little things without obviously any of the technology today.

 

I think the technology today is creating internet/technology addicts...it's too easy and available and whenever there's some deep thought, question or concern we immediately run to it for some kind of piece of mind or answer.

 

It's like trying to sleep with a party/social activity in the house, and it's a world that is always awake and available whenever you need it.

 

I think the best thing to do is to try and establish a schedule and try to associate your bed as a resting place as much as possible, at least at night.

 

All of these things are essentially habits, and habits are hard to break...need a lot of discipline and it can be a real challenge because the beginning is always the most difficult part. I go for more of a transitional phase rather than an abrupt and immediate radical change when I want something to stick, easy-come-easy-go...so you have to give things time and yourself a chance to adjust, if you demand too much of yourself because your expectations are unrealistic for your habits then it's only going to lead to frustration and you'll ultimately give-up.

 

What helped me as well was having a comfortable bed surprisingly, that helped me go to sleep a bit easier and get a much better sleep, since my bed was uncomfortable i didn't really want to sleep but knowing I could get a good night sleep and wake up more refreshed was encouraging to me...cost a pretty penny for it but it was worth it since i have trouble sleeping at night.

 

Try to slow down the wheels in your head and relax, take deep breathes, do your best to clear you mind, develop a routine that feels more relaxing....I usually need to catch myself in that window of where i feel tired and sleepy, because all too often I let it pass and then I try to go when I want to and it just doesn't work, I sit there and stir but I focus on thinking of nothing, holding onto no single thought and for me it works at times.

[SpiralOut]

Read books about the subjects that interest you instead of looking it up online. Computer screens are stimulating. Shut off the electronics before bed and read a book instead. You'll get sleepy faster. Get some lavender room spray or candles.

 

I second the idea of getting exercise, if you are not doing so already.