Why is it that I always keep thinking and can't calm down when trying to sleep?

Jan 21, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

I am a 30-year-old female. Over the past few months, I have noticed that when lying in bed at night preparing to sleep, my mind is always unusually active, filled with countless thoughts, and I am unable to calm down, leading to difficulty falling asleep. This situation has caused me great distress.

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhang Baohua

This condition may be related to multiple factors. Psychological stress is a common cause, as pressure from work and daily life can make it difficult to relax at night, leading to continuous brain activity and racing thoughts. Lifestyle habits can also contribute to this issue; for example, excessive use of electronic devices in the evening, whose blue light can interfere with melatonin secretion, keeping the brain alert. Excessive caffeine intake and overeating before bedtime may also affect sleep. If this persists long-term, it may create a vicious cycle that further worsens difficulty falling asleep.

It is recommended to establish healthy sleep habits and engage in relaxing activities before bedtime, such as deep breathing, meditation, soaking feet in hot water, or reading light books, to help the body and mind relax and reduce overactive thinking. If there is no significant improvement after trying these methods, it is advisable to consult a doctor or sleep specialist, as further evaluation and treatment may be needed, such as cognitive behavioral therapy or medication assistance.