First i need to say that there is a very big difference between insomnia and one bad night. Also, it dosen't count if you spend your night on internet. Insomnia is not being able to sleep. It's being really tired but the second you get in bed your mind explode. You start thinking about very little thing over and over again. You stay in bed wide awake counting the hours. How do you survive insomnia? How do you stop it?
Well, if you have the answer, please tell me, because i've been living with insomnia for almost 10 years now and i still don't now how to stop it.
But i know what to do in my sleepless night and how to help a little :
- Stay away from your phone : when you can't sleep, you should not touch your phone. Not sure why, but apparently it wakes your brain and you don't want that. I try my hardest to follow this rule, but i usualy give up around 2am.
- Writing : i don't know why, but i get really inspired in the middle of the night. It's one of the reason why i can't sleep. I get this awesome idea and can't stop thinking about it. So, i spend those extra hours writing in my little notebook. So many of my short stories were created because of my insomnia. I guess it's a good thing...
- Book : if you can't sleep, read. Learn something.
- Before bed routine : spend the hour before going to bed relaxing. Take a hot bath, read in bed, do something nice that will tell you brain to calm down. Stay away from electronic devices and coffee.
- Do something : do something during the day that will use up all your energy. You want to be tired when you go to bed. Work out, spend time with friends, go out, work on one of your project, change the world, whatever it takes, just do something with your day.
- Enjoy : well, if you still can't sleep, you may just enjoy the night. I always loved the night sky so i like watching the stars when i can't sleep. It's so beautiful and peaceful. And if you stay awake for long enough, you will be able to see the sunrise. It's one for the most magical thing in the world. I'm still amazed by it even if i saw it so many times.
Insominac friends, make yourself a coffee and don't let the lack of sleep destroy you. Learn how to dream without sleeping and use those extra hours to make your dreams come true.
See ya later <3