Overthinking Stops Me Sleeping

Overthinking Stops Me Sleeping

Dyslexia comes with a fast-thinking mind that can be a blessing and a curse. In the day, it fuels creativity and ideas, but at night, it can leave you feeling wide awake as your thoughts spin.

In this episode, I talk about ways to calm that mental buzz so you can actually catch some sleep. I share my own experiences—what worked, what didn’t, and how you might tweak these ideas to suit your life.

Why Our Minds Race at Night

It’s like your brain is on a treadmill that won’t stop. You might replay conversations from earlier, make up new ideas for tomorrow, or simply worry about random details. Then, when you finally turn off the lights, your head decides to invent an entire movie.

I found out that part of the dyslexic brain’s charm is seeing connections in everything. It’s great for spotting patterns or coming up with new things, but it can backfire at bedtime when that creativity decides to run wild. It took me ages to realise this was the main culprit behind my sleepless nights.

“One of the biggest challenges with an overactive mind is turning it off at night.”

How I Tried to Calm the Chaos

Falling asleep used to feel like a marathon. I’d lie there and think, “There’s no off switch!” Over time, I tried a bunch of methods, some more unusual than others.

Here’s what I experimented with:

  • Guided meditation apps that offer simple breathing exercises
  • Brain-dump journalling right before bed
  • Reading predictable books (so my mind wouldn’t wander too far)

Those approaches helped me dial down the intensity of my thoughts. I realised I needed something to replace the internal chatter with consistent and gentle input.

Techniques That Made a Difference

One trick I found effective is focusing on my senses. I pay attention to the feeling of the sheets, the sounds in the room, and even the gentle hum of the heater. This anchors my mind to the present rather than letting it ramble.

Then there’s the old trick of counting sheep. I used to dismiss it, but I discovered it’s not about sheep—it’s about shifting your brain into a simple counting pattern. The repetitiveness can quiet the swirling ideas, at least for a few minutes.

Another approach is to plan creativity time earlier in the day. If I allow my mind to roam free in the afternoon, brainstorming and scribbling notes, it doesn’t beg for that spotlight at midnight.

Tools and Tips for a Calmer Mind

Tools can be your ally. I rely on a few that fit neatly into my phone or bedroom:

  • White noise apps: These produce soft, consistent sounds. Gentle rain or ocean waves can chase away intrusive thoughts.
  • An old-school notepad: Whenever an idea starts nagging at me, I jot it down to revisit later.
  • Relaxation playlists: Slow, rhythmic music sometimes works like a lullaby.

I’ve also learnt the power of a bedtime routine. Getting into a familiar ritual, like dimming the lights and reading a non-intense book, cues your brain that it’s time to wind down. Even something as simple as having a warm drink, like chamomile tea, can signal that it’s nearly time for lights-out.

My Personal Takeaways

The biggest lesson is that there’s no one-size-fits-all. If you’ve ever felt alone in your late-night overthinking, you’re not. So many dyslexics struggle with these busy thoughts after dark. Yet we each have quirky methods that suit our unique wiring.

I realised over time that consistency is key. Trying one thing once might not do the trick, but building small habits can eventually soothe that racing mind. It might be five minutes of deep breathing, a chapter of an easy-read novel, or a bit of journalling. The idea is to create a pattern that tells your brain: “We’re done for the day.”

  • Overactive thoughts are common with dyslexia, and you’re not alone.
  • Experiment with simple tactics like mindful breathing and white noise.
  • Jotting down ideas before bed can free up mental space.
  • A nightly routine helps signal the brain to slow down.

If this resonates with you, I encourage you to check out the full episode for a deeper dive. The podcast player is just at the top of the page. Hearing these ideas in context might spark something new for your own bedtime routine.

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