Why You Aren't Sleeping (and How to Fix It)

Our 3am awakenings are signs that we have not been doing the sort of self-reflection we need to do in order to be at – or sleep in – peace.

FURTHER READING

“Sometimes we have simply had too much coffee, or the bedroom is too hot…but most often, insomnia is psychological. It is the mind’s revenge for all the efforts we have, largely unbeknownst to us, been making not to have certain thoughts in the day. We are being woken up by a need to think about something that we have assiduously been ignoring, probably thanks to our work, or our social and family commitments. Having attempted to get our attention by more normal means in the clamour of the day, our deep minds are now trying to get us to have an appointment with certain insights in the quieter hours of night…”

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CREDITS

Produced in collaboration with:

Mike Booth

Title animation produced in collaboration with

Graeme Probert

[mateusdialis]

Can't wait to see this in my recommendations at 3 A.M

[dannyscott]

Lately, I've been feeling this strange sense of emptiness. I feel like I'm missing something in my life, like I'm not fulfilling my purpose.

[Hanjayzo]

SENDING LOVE TO ALL STUDENTS, HUG AND PRAYER TO ANYONE WHO'S FIGHTING A SILENT BATTLE

[alexxx]

Externalising these questions through journaling and working through them, I think is the optimal way to go.

[TheSelfCenter]

This will help me when I go to bed tonight! I agree that insomnia is usually a psychological thing... Having a peaceful mind will give you a much more peaceful sleep! ☀️☀️

[louise]

Actually, thinking about my problems and analyzing them is keeping me awake for hours without getting to a solution. Simply because my brain needs sleep and is not able to find productive solutions. I've learned to postpone the analyzing and instead expell every word of thought from my head – in a friendly way. This is what helps me everytime! 😴😇

[astrid-wz]

It's good to hear Mr Alain's voice again. Calms me. Calms me every time.
I usually write in my journal most nights when I've had some deep despiriting thoughts in the day. It really helps.
And to me, sleep is one of my top priorities, that I've set my mind on not compromising on my sleep unless I'm working on call or something really important.

[jacc]

The first video I’ve seen in years that doesn’t harp on about the usual “cures” for insomnia eg “no screen time before bed” “going to bed and getting up at the same time each day” etc etc. yet dealing with trauma, grief and looking into the causes of these things are never (or seldom) mentioned.

[interferenzbrille_]

This is a beautiful video. Just keep in mind, chronic insomnia IS very biological. Patients of chronic insomnia have changed their brains over many nights and the fear of not being able to sleep has become self-employed. But just as these thoughts are learned, they can be unlearned. I whole-heartedly recommend the book "Say good night to insomnia" by Gregg Jacobs, it saved my life.

[betterchapter]

Make sleep a priority; it's the easiest way to improve every aspect of your life.

[wachimol]

Insomnia isn't always psychological. Some of us live in apartments below other people who pace their rooms until 4am!

[cindy]

Journaling and prayer 🙏🏽 reading a book helps me to go sleep. Chamomile tea too! But ultimately, confiding in my God is the best way to go.

[pixxie__]

I think for me it's no so much insomnia but more that I just enjoy being awake during the really late hours. It's peaceful and relaxing. Also theres no pressure on me, i can just lay in bed on my phone and not feel lazy or bad about it. I'm not working at the moment so I've had the luxury of being able to do that. Then i can sleep half the day and escape reality, so it's also a coping mechanism, not healthy one but one nonetheless

[happygilmore]

Melatonin has been a major help for me. Definitely worth a try for anyone who's struggling to fall asleep.

[Muiz_ola]

I actually sleep well but I be having weird dreams that relate to my cringiest moments in my life one way or another, it haunts me seriously been happening to me for a while now

[benjaminliswaniso]

Thank God am watching this during the day. 😂😂😂😂

[sbgtrev]

The video essentially recommends going to a therapist (because if we knew the answers ourselves, millions of us would have fixed our problems by the next night). The problem is some things don't have an answer which can quieten the mind (loss or fear of loss of a loved one or dealing with your own mortality, for example). In that sense, as welcome as the video is, the finality with which it claims to suggest a solution is slightly misplaced or atleast just the start of a longer series on the topic. I'd like to see more, much more, and if it can be helped, a book (yes, SOL merchandise is expensive but for such a vexing issue, I'd be willing to pay the moon)

[theschooloflifetv]

What thought keeps you awake at night? Let us know in the comments

[fernendo]

Running. Including sprints. It will change your life.

[Creativeman]

And what happens if you know what aflicts you, but still can't sleep? What happens if you know who hurt you, but you can't know why? When you are aware of your vices, but can't act upon them. When your disconfort is fruit of someone elses actions or even your lack of action. What happens when having this knowledge won't help you sleep, but instead keeps you awake with anxiety?
I really don't know the answer.. What can i do?