I Just Can’t F***ing Sleep!
When we can’t sleep, everything else feels way worse. Our bodies are on edge, so we are on edge. Stuff that doesn’t normally bother you starts to bother you a lot.
So, what can you even do about it? Well, there are a lot of things that can help you sleep better, but you have to be willing to actually try them. That can be annoying, especially when you’re already in a bad mood, you know, from not sleeping. So, I made this blog post to help you get started.
Here are five things you can try to improve your sleep.
1. Set Aside Time to Wind Down.
Setting aside time to wind down in the evening can be so helpful for a relaxing sleep.
Start signalling to your nervous system that it’s safe to relax. Try:
A warm bath or shower
Cozy pajamas and dim lights
Listening to relaxing music
Audiobooks (have you heard about sleep stories?)
Podcasts (maybe not one about true crime though :p)
Essential oils (lavender is classic for a reason)
Gentle breathing or meditation
Read a book and use some essential oils
Herbal tea and your favourite fuzzy blanket
Really, you can do anything that feels relaxing. You are signalling to your body and your mind “Hey, it’s time to relax now” to help put you in sleep mode.
2. Move your Body During the Day.
Getting in some movement or exercise during the day can help you sleep. A lot of us aren’t moving very much during the day (maybe you had a Netflix day or work at a computer). And our bodies don’t have a chance to expel some of that energy. Movement helps discharge excess energy and regulates your nervous system.
You don’t need to run a marathon. Try:
A walk outside
Yoga or stretching
Dance party in your kitchen
Lifting something heavy (including emotional baggage, jk… unless?)
The point is: tired body = better chance of tired brain.
3. Drink the Damn Tea
For some people, tea can be very calming and relaxing. It can really get you into that “sleepy mood”. Everyone is different, but try some out and see if one works for you. There is something about having a warm drink that makes you feel cozy and relaxed. Some to try are: lavender camomile or ginger turmeric.
4. Can’t Stop Thinking? Write It Down.
Okay, so you’ve wound down, you’re lying in bed, you listened to some relaxing music, but your brain is just going on a rampage. You are thinking about a million things, a million lists. Maybe you are having full-on imaginary conversations with other people, when you would rather be sleeping. Does that sound familiar?
When your brain won’t stop—write it out.
Get up, leave your bedroom, and go write it down. You can write it out or type it out. Sometimes writing it down helps us get it out of our heads, which is important so we can sleep! Also, leaving your bedroom can be helpful, so that you don’t associate “not being able to fall asleep” with your bed.
Why? You’re clearing space in your brain so it can relax, and you’re teaching yourself not to associate your bed with spiraling.
5. Still Wide Awake? Get Up and Clean
Not what you wanted to hear, I know. But if you’ve been lying in bed for more than 30 minutes, get up and go do something low-stakes and boring—like wiping the counters or folding laundry.
Bonus: You’ll start to associate your bed with sleeping (and other fun stuff), not just insomnia.
Sleep Is a Mental Health Issue Too 🧠💤
Lack of sleep doesn’t just make you grumpy—it amplifies anxiety, depression, irritability, and emotional dysregulation.
If you're doing “all the right things” and still tossing and turning, it might be time to bring in some support.
✨ Book a therapy session to explore what’s keeping you up at night—whether it's stress, anxiety, trauma, people pleasing, or just feeling like your brain never stops moving.
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TL;DR: You Deserve Sleep That Doesn’t Suck
Try these five simple things to help your nervous system settle and your body get the rest it needs:
Wind-down ritual
Movement during the day
Herbal tea
Write it out
Get up and clean if you’re tossing & turning
And if nothing’s working, don’t tough it out alone. Sometimes sleep struggles are a sign that deeper emotional or mental stress needs some love and attention.
You've got this—and I've got your back when you're ready.