Thoughts as Sleep Thieves
Does this sound familiar? When you’re lying in bed at night, tired, but you just can’t stop mulling over a certain topic? You just can’t seem to let it go? Whether it’s an upcoming exam, an important conversation, or an argument you had with someone?
The simplest solution would be to just stop thinking! Well, that’s not quite so easy, because we think all day long and have around 60,000 thoughts every day. We can’t just stop thinking.
But what’s actually going on inside us when we’re thinking? Observe yourself when you’re focused or thinking about something specific. For example, when you’re solving a puzzle or figuring out what you need to get done the next day. Your muscles tense up. Most people don’t even realize that, due to this tension, they’re pushing their tongue up against the roof of their mouth or that their neck muscles are tight!
Our tips for falling asleep:
- If you like to plan your next day in bed or are simply very creative and your stream of ideas keeps you awake, we recommend jotting down your thoughts in a notebook. That way, it’s written down on paper, and you no longer have to think about it or worry that you won’t remember it tomorrow.
- Shift your thoughts to a different topic. Because at night, problems usually seem bigger than they really are. And in fact, there’s nothing you can do about the problem right at this moment. Try to focus your thoughts on your breathing. Notice whether you’re breathing deeply and relaxed or if it’s just shallow, short breaths. Try inhaling very deeply and slowly, then exhaling. If your thoughts drift back to your “problem,” let them go and return your focus to your breath.
- Snuggle into your bed and get into a comfortable lying position. Actively try to relax every single muscle. Starting at your head and working your way down to your toes. You’ll be amazed at how much you can consciously release. Try to find peace this way and enjoy the total, soothing, physical relaxation. It’s simply a wonderful feeling. Because only those who are relaxed, can let go, and surrender control of themselves can fall asleep easily.
