Why won't my brain shut off and let me sleep?
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so many thoughts
And don’t you wonder WHY the thoughts multiply at night, not letting your brain shut off when your head hits the pillow? You find yourself staring at the ceiling, while your mind races.
If you've experienced the frustration of not being able to fall asleep due to an overactive mind, you're not alone, especially going through life changing times.
Thankfully there are some strategies you can practice to calm your thoughts and find the tranquility you need to let you sleep. Here are my top five tips to help you fall asleep when your mind won't shut off:
Why won't my brain shut off and let me sleep:
5 Effective tips to quiet your mind & drift into sleep.
Write Down Your Worries:
One common reason your brain won’t shut off at bedtime is the tendency to ruminate on worries and concerns.
A simple yet powerful technique to overcome this is to write down all your thoughts and worries on paper before getting into bed. Writing your thoughts on paper helps you release them from your mind, creating space to relax.
Aromatherapy for relaxation:
Aromatherapy uses essential oils to promote relaxation and calmness. Essential oils like Adaptiv, Lavender, Balance, and Cedarwood have been shown to have soothing effects on the mind and body.
Use these oils in a bedtime routine by adding 6-8 drops in a diffuser with water and add a few drops to your pillow.The calming aroma helps signal your brain to shut off and wind down for sleep.
Guided Meditation:
Guided meditation is such a good technique to help redirect your thoughts away from the worries of the day and into a more peaceful state of mind.
My favorite app is Insight Timer which has a wide variety of guided meditation sessions by themes. There are so many meditations designed to induce relaxation, quiet your mind, and prepare your body for sleep.
Read a Book (not on electronics):
Ditch the online book and grab a physical book.
When we use electronics before bed (including smartphones and TV) the blue light effect can interfere with our body's production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep. The act of reading can help shift your focus, quiet the brain toward relaxation, and help you drift into sleep.
Epsom Salt Bath
Epsom salt can help shut the brain off to help me sleep. Epsom salt (no scent) can be incredibly soothing for both the body and mind. Epsom salts contain magnesium, which is linked to relaxation and improved sleep quality.
The warm water can help relax tense muscles, while the magnesium is absorbed through the skin, a win/win for sleep support. Add Lavender or other calming essential oils mentioned above to enhance the relaxation experience.
Remember when you ask yourself “why won't my brain shut off and let me sleep”, getting better sleep takes practice and consistency. Experiment with these tips to find the combination that works best for you.
Also, prioritize your sleep—your body and mind will thank you for it.
Aromatherapy is a powerful art!
Aromatherapy offers natural sleep support by using essential oils to reduce stress, improve sleep quality, and induce sleep faster.
It can be easily incorporated into your bedtime routine by adding 4-6 drops of oil in a diffuser with water.
Aromatherapy has no side effects compared to pharmaceutical sleep aids, making it my go to for promoting restful sleep.