Racing Thoughts Keep Me Awake For Hours Every Night, How Can I Switch Off?

Racing thoughts at bedtime are very common, especially during busy or stressful times. When the day gets quiet, the mind finally has space to go over worries. Over time this can turn into a habit where the bed becomes a place for thinking instead of sleeping.

Try writing your worries and a short to-do list on paper an hour before bed, so your mind knows they are saved for tomorrow. Keep your phone out of bed, keep the same sleep and wake times, and try slow breathing: in for four counts and out for six. If you cannot sleep after 20 minutes, get up and do something calm until you feel sleepy. If the overthinking affects your days, or you feel anxious or low most of the time, talking to a therapist from our Psychiatry & Psychology team can really help. If you ever have thoughts of harming yourself, contact your local emergency number or a crisis line right away.