When sleep becomes a nightly struggle for years, like in your case, it often signals more than just a poor routine—it usually reflects chronic hyperarousal of the mind and body. Even if you feel tired, your brain might still be in a “threat alert mode” from underlying anxiety, stress, or unresolved thoughts. This causes difficulty falling asleep and shallow sleep that breaks after just a couple of hours. Over time, your body even forgets how to fall asleep naturally, because it’s been stuck in survival mode for too long.
To reverse this, we need to train your brain to feel safe again during sleep. That means: no screens 60–90 mins before bed, doing relaxation breathing (like 4-7-8 technique) before lying down, keeping lights dim after sunset, and adding a wind-down ritual like journaling or a warm shower. More importantly, avoid “trying” to sleep—just lie down and let your body relax without pressure. Try a CBT-I approach (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia), which teaches the brain to rebuild natural sleep drive. If you’re stuck in this cycle for 5 years, therapy or sleep-focused guidance can help recalibrate this deeply wired pattern.
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Answered2025-05-06 05:03:34
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