Why you cant switch off at night (and how to sleep more easy)

If the night feels overwhelming, you don't have to go through it all alone.

|f you struggle with sleep, you’re not alone . Many people tell me they feel exhausted, but as soon as they get into bed their mind won’t slow down. Thoughts start racing. Their body feels tense. The more they try to sleep, the harder it feels.

This isn’t because you’re doing anything wrong.

Often, it’s simply that your mind and body haven’t had the chance to fully relax yet.

Why this happens

During the day we’re busy coping, getting through things, and pushing on. At night, when everything becomes quiet, the mind finally has space to process what’s been held in.

Worries, stress, and even small things from the day can show up at bedtime. Your body may still be in a state of alert, even though you’re tired.

When sleep becomes stressful

After a while, bedtime itself can start to feel stressful. You might worry about how long you’ve been awake, how you’ll feel tomorrow, or whether tonight will be another bad night.

Trying harder to sleep can create more pressure, which keeps the nervous system switched on. Creating a cycle of despair and frustration followed by the inability to sleep, followed by more despair and frustration and yes you guessed it the inability to sleep. Sleep works best when there’s less effort, not more.

What helps

Sleep comes when the body feels safe enough to let go. Gentle approaches that calm the nervous system can help, such as slowing the breath, guided relaxation, and reducing mental effort at night.

These techniques don’t force sleep they create the right conditions for rest to happen naturally.

Things can change

Many people worry that their sleep problem will never improve, especially if it’s been going on for a long time. In reality, sleep difficulties are often linked to stress, anxiety, or an overactive nervous system.

With the right support, things can start to feel easier. Sometimes, even small changes can make a noticeable difference.

Sleep support

I offer personalised sleep support to help calm the mind and body, reduce bedtime stress, and improve sleep naturally. Sessions are relaxed, supportive, and tailored to you.

If you’d like to find out more, you can read about my Sleep Support here: Sleep -Support & Insomnia Help

You don’t have to manage this on your own. Better rest is possible.

Hypnotherapy is a wonderful way to retrain your brain for rest, but I know that some nights, the silence feels too loud right now. While you work on your sleep journey, never feel you have to struggle through the dark hours alone. Tender Help Therapy is an appointment only service. However the Samaritans are available 24/7 on 116 123 if you just need to hear a kind voice during those dark hours. Please don't be afraid to reach out.