Why does my mind uncontrollably think about things when I'm trying to sleep, and what can I do about it?

Uncontrollable thinking during sleep may be caused by physiological factors, or pathological conditions such as depression and anxiety. It can be alleviated through daily self-care, psychological counseling, medication, and other methods. The specific analysis is as follows:

1. Physiological Causes

If one is overly fatigued during the day or living at a fast pace, it may lead to persistent nervous tension. At night, the brain's excitability may not have fully subsided, thus affecting sleep quality and causing excessive, uncontrolled thoughts. In the absence of other physical discomforts, this is usually considered normal. Individuals can manage stress appropriately in daily life, ensure adequate rest, and avoid overexertion.

2. Pathological Causes

1) Depression

Abnormalities in brain neurotransmitters may trigger depression, leading to symptoms such as difficulty concentrating, mental fatigue, and intrusive thoughts, all of which can impair sleep quality. It is recommended to consult a professional psychologist for counseling and consider using antidepressant medications, such as fluoxetine hydrochloride tablets or venlafaxine hydrochloride tablets, under medical supervision.

2) Anxiety Disorder

Influenced by environmental factors or genetic predisposition, individuals may develop mental health issues that result in anxiety, panic episodes, sleep disturbances, and uncontrollable thoughts. Under a doctor’s guidance, anti-anxiety medications such as lorazepam tablets or alprazolam tablets may be prescribed.

Besides the common causes mentioned above, other conditions such as psychosis cannot be ruled out. It is advisable to visit a hospital for comprehensive evaluations, including CT scans and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).