Insomnia: No Sleep Despite Fatigue

People aren’t only sleepless in Seattle; they are sleepless world over! Insomnia affects 9% of the general population, while approximately 30% have occasional sleeplessness. This is not great news for those who fall in these percentage brackets. We cannot function successfully without sleep. It is just as, if not more, crucial to both our physical and emotional well-being as breathing, eating, and drinking. Sleeping recharges our batteries in the 7–8-hour period of rest it provides us, keeping us at a healthy level of functioning and allowing us to face the next day, refreshed and recharged!

But sometimes, even when we’re exhausted, we just can’t seem to fall asleep! And the stress of not being able to fall asleep, compounded by the clock ticking away, causes many people anxiety surrounding their bedtime hours. But why does this happen? Shouldn’t falling asleep come naturally to us?

Unpacking the reasons behind insomnia

There are many reasons why someone can't fall asleep even when they're extremely tired. Unsurprisingly, almost all have to do with how our lifestyles have changed over the years, interfering with our sleep habits.

Caffeine and nicotine
Stimulants like caffeine and nicotine can keep you awake; they are specially designed for that purpose! Too much caffeine can significantly disrupt a good night’s sleep because it boosts energy levels quickly and suppresses REM (rapid eye movement) sleep cycles. If you're trying to fix your sleeping habits, it is imperative that you cut back on these substances gradually, especially in the hours before your bedtime.

Unhealthy sleep habits
Unhealthy sleep habits can make it difficult to fall asleep. If you go to bed at 9 PM one night, midnight the other night, and 2 AM the night after, it is no surprise that your body clock is all over the place! We are creatures of habit, and so are our bodies, and unless we train our bodies to expect a routine time of going to bed and waking up, our cues of whether we feel sleepy will be completely off!

Hormonal disturbance
Hormones like cortisol can affect how sleepy we feel after spending time awake. If you suddenly wake up from a nap feeling wide awake but drained of energy, that's probably because your brain has started using up more fuel than usual due to the increase in cortisol levels. To get the most restorative shut-eye possible, try sleeping consistently and avoiding caffeine and alcohol before bedtime.

Stress
If you're constantly stressed and have no way to burn this stress off, your body will release cortisol, which can make it harder for you to fall asleep. Try mindfulness techniques such as meditation or yoga before bed or take some time for yourself every day to encourage your body to enter a relaxing state!

Anxiety
Anxiety manifests in a very similar way! If you're dealing with anxiety, your mind will constantly be racing. When we are burdened by all the world's worries and intrusive thoughts, it is no surprise that sleep is not easy to come by. If you find that anxiety prevents you from getting a good night’s rest, opening up to a friend or seeking professional help might be helpful! You can also try our Stress range in the form of lotion and mist for some added support.

How to fall asleep easily

You can do a few things to help improve your sleep hygiene, whether you're struggling to fall asleep or staying asleep throughout the night. Make sure that you set realistic sleep goals and then make time for winding down before bed. Establish a bedtime routine, including reading or listening to calming music before retiring. Avoid using electronics in the bedroom, including televisions, computers, and smartphones, and strictly limit your consumption of caffeine and alcohol before bed. You can also take some quick and easy steps to help you fall asleep more easily. These interventions might sound simple, but combined can yield excellent results for your sleeping habits!

• Fix your environment: Make sure your bedroom is dark and quiet. If you live in a noisy area, we recommend using earbuds to block the noise!
• No device rule: Avoid watching television or using electronic devices in your bedroom before bed. These activities stimulate the brain and keep you awake. Keep your bed for just sleeping only and follow a no-device rule!
• Get cozy: Make your sleeping situation as comfortable as possible. Whether it be having plenty of blankets to keep you warm, adjusting the temperature, or being surrounded by a bunch of pillows, invest your energy in curating the perfect sleeping environment for yourself!
• Get some extra help: Try our Magnesium Sleep Support Lotion and Starry Nights Sleep Mist for some great bed-time pampering!

It seems very difficult for some of us how vital sleeping is for all of us. Not getting enough sleep is not just bad for our health, but it can also cause frustrations and anxieties emanating from our bodies not getting the rest they need. If you continue to experience sleeping problems for an extended period, consult your physician for a thorough examination!