Why You Can't Fall Asleep, And What To Do About It

I came across this beautiful poem by Terry Richardson.

Poem by Terry Richardson

It's just time, one tik, one tok,

a movement of hands-on life's big clock.

As each tomorrow becomes today,

is our destined end on its way.

Shadows forming around the edges of my life.

I've seen enough of pain and strife.

What's to do when sleep refuses you,

night after night devouring time too.

A heavy sigh escapes echos of reproof,

My lids are heavy but my mind is aloof.

A void against the glass the rain did beat and bicker,

driving my taste for some more corn-licker.

To drown my conscience in another batch,

to start the day again from scratch.

Just to sleep if only for a few,

there's only so much I can do.

It inspired me to write my own. (I know, it's not as good.)

Sleep.

It rules our lives.

From the day we are born to the day we die.

Some sleep too little, and some sleep too much.

Oh how I wish I could sleep just a little bit longer.

Why You Can’t Fall Asleep And What To Do About It

Sleep Disorders

Did you know that 50 to 70 million adults in the USA suffer from a chronic sleep or wakefulness disorder, with 25 million US adults suffering from OSA.

A further 30% of adults have insomnia, and about 48% of people report snoring.

No wonder we are so sleep deprived.

However, make no mistake, sleep disorders are serious and dangerous.

Stress

Causes of stress are too numerous to mention.

Work, family, relationships, money, debt, poor health and other mental health conditions all contribute to stress.

I recently had to move house and I felt so stressed about it all. Would I like the new place? Would I be able to pack everything in time? Will my furniture fit into the new place?

Mindfulness, meditation, exercise, and positive thinking can all help to alleviate some of your stress.

Obesity

There is a big link between obesity and sleep deprivation.

Speak to your doctor if you suspect you fall into the obese category, however, making some diet and lifestyle choices is the first thing you doctor is likely to suggest.

Pain

Again, see a doctor.

No need to suffer in silence.

Too much sugar in your diet

Sugar will keep you awake and hyper active, even if you don’t necessarily feel energized.

Because your brain thrives on the glucose from the sugar.

An active mind will not relax enough to let you fall asleep.

Too much caffeine too late in the day

Same for caffeine, stay away from it late in the afternoon.

I personally can’t drink caffeine after 4pm if I want to go to bed before 10pm.

Lack of exercise

Listen, if you are tired, you will fall asleep.

If you are not tired, you will not fall asleep.

Mental disorders

Anxiety is just one of many mental disorders that can keep you awake at night.

Constantly replaying things in your head over and over is not going to help you relax enough to fall asleep.

And worrying about things that MAY happen in the future has the same effect, it makes your body tense up and you cannot fall asleep if your body cannot relax.

Bad Mattress/Pillow

Having a lumpy mattress or pillow is not only bad for your spine and your back or neck, but it will simply keep you awake all night.

You’re an adult, so it’s time for a grow-up bed.

Time to invest in a new mattress and pillow.

Conclusion

If you think that not getting enough sleep doesn’t matter, then I suggest you read up about the link between success and sleep.

Or the link between obesity and sleep.

Sleep is incredibly important for your body and your mind. It allows for downtime, rest, healing and plays an important role in mental health and the formation of long term memory.

Not to mention it costs the economy billions each year in lost productivity or work place accidents.

So don’t neglect sleep. It’s as important for your health as eating more vegetables and drinking more water.