Trouble Falling Asleep

Overview

Lying awake waiting for sleep to arrive is one of the most common sleep complaints there is. It’s rarely caused by just one thing — light exposure, an irregular schedule, caffeine timing, stress, and an overactive mind can all play a part.

Common factors

Inconsistent bed/wake times, screen and light exposure close to bedtime, caffeine taken later than it feels, and a mind that’s still running through the day are the factors we see most often behind slow sleep onset.

Practical strategies

Rather than reaching for the first fix you see, it helps to narrow down what’s actually going on for you: is it a racing mind, a wired body, or an inconsistent schedule? Getting consistent light exposure, watching caffeine timing, and using a short wind-down practice are common starting points — see our guide below for the full list.

Relevant approaches

If your obstacle is mainly mental, a guided course like Mindvalley Sleep or the Mind & Meditation category may be the better starting point than a supplement.

When to seek professional help

If this pattern continues most nights for several weeks, or you’re regularly getting very little sleep, it’s worth talking to a doctor rather than continuing to self-manage.