Struggling to Sleep? A Few Potential Reasons for Your Missing Zs

by Meghan Belnap

We all know the feeling of lying in bed, wide awake, and staring at the clock as the minutes slowly tick by. For some of us, this happens occasionally; for others, it's a nightly occurrence. But why does insomnia happen? And more importantly, what can we do about it? Let's explore a few potential reasons for your missing Zs.

If you're finding it hard to fall asleep at night, it might be because you're not letting yourself truly go to bed. We often stay up too late because we think we need to finish just one more thing or tell ourselves we'll relax for a few more minutes.

But the truth is, our bodies need time to wind down so we can fall asleep. So if you're having difficulty letting yourself go to bed, try setting a limit on how long you'll stay up each night. Once you hit that limit, turn off all your electronics and allow yourself to relax. You may find it easier to fall asleep if you give yourself permission to do so.

The journey of sleep seems neverending when faced with stress and anxiety. Worse, when we feel stress about not being able to sleep, it can compound and spiral out of control as we continue to miss sleep due to stress. It can seem impossible to get restful sleep, putting a strain on our mental, physical, and spiritual well-being. Our minds and bodies are trying to tell us something when we experience insomnia--we need to take a step away from the hustle and bustle of life in order to make peace with ourselves. Everything is connected: our emotions, spirit, and health; this is just another reminder that it's important to find moments for stillness in order to truly heal.

Sleeping can be a hard night's work for some of us, and like any job, making sure the right tools are available can make a difference. Is your pillow up to fluff? Are your blankets helping you reach the right temperature as you sleep? Is your mattress reaching the end of its life? When you're struggling to sleep, sometimes you need to look at replacing the basics. Local stores can help provide personalized fits for your bedroom and will often even help move out the old and into the new. Getting a new pillow or the right temperature comforter can also make all the difference in how you sleep at night. Take the time to think about how well your bedroom companions are assisting you in getting to sleep, and consider whether a change might be needed.

When it comes to getting a good night's rest, we sometimes forget about the power of our environment. The type of space where you rest at night can strongly influence the quality of sleep you receive – from the temperature and lighting to the type of sounds and smells associated with your environment. So it's possible that if you're having trouble sleeping, taking some time to examine your sleeping environment may just be what is needed to change whatever underlying conditions are preventing a perfect night's sleep. After all, science and spirituality tell us that we reap what we sow – why should your sleep be any different?

If you're struggling to sleep, there are a few things you can try to improve your situation. Some people find that reading before bed helps them wind down and relax. Others find that a cup of herbal tea or some light stretching can do the trick. If you have trouble falling asleep, it's important to create a relaxing bedtime routine and stick to it as much as possible. Experiment until you find what works for you, and don't be afraid to ask for help from a doctor or sleep specialist if you're still having trouble.

If you're struggling to sleep, don't lose hope! These are a few things you can try to improve your situation. First, make sure you're winding down before bed and look into relaxation techniques like meditation or stretching. You should also create a conducive environment for sleep by keeping your room dark and cool. And finally, cut back on caffeine and avoid screens before bedtime. Getting the proper amount of sleep is crucial for your health and wellbeing, so do whatever it takes to get those precious Zs.