Why is falling asleep hard

Changes like divorce, death , illness, or moving to a new town can make it hard to sleep through the night. During a tough time, it helps if you feel safe.

Try bringing a comforting object to bed with you, like a favorite blanket or stuffed animal. It might take a while to feel better, so talk with a parent or another adult you trust about what's bothering you. Even if the problem can't be solved, just talking it out can help you sleep easier. If you feel too hot, too cold, hungry, or crowded, you won't get to sleep like you should.

Prevent this by creating sleep-friendly bedtime space:. Most of the time, talking with your parents or caregiver is all you need to do to handle a sleep problem. They can help you make a relaxing bedtime routine. But if you are having a tough time getting enough sleep, you might need extra help. That could mean talking to a counselor or psychologist about stress or sadness you might be feeling. Some kids might have to see a doctor who specializes in sleep problems. Some hospitals have sleep labs, where patients come in overnight to be checked while sleeping to see what might be wrong.

About an hour before bedtime, put away homework and turn off the TV, computers, and other devices, including cellphones. Have a relaxing bedtime routine, like taking a warm bath or shower, reading, or listening to music. Reviewed by: Mary L. Gavin, MD. Larger text size Large text size Regular text size.

Bedtime Fears For kids, feeling scared or worried at bedtime is one of the main reasons for having trouble falling asleep. Nightmares Have you been having any nightmares lately? Worry and Stress It can be harder to sleep when you're worried about things. Big Changes A major change in your life or daily routine can easily cause sleep problems.

Feeling Uncomfortable If you feel too hot, too cold, hungry, or crowded, you won't get to sleep like you should. Prevent this by creating sleep-friendly bedtime space: Make sure your bed is ready for sleep and relaxing — not so jammed with toys and stuffed animals that there's no room for you. University of Michigan Health System. In the U. American Academy of Sleep Medicine. In the UK , find sleep clinics, centres, and specialists. UK Health Centre. In Canada , find a sleep clinic or treatment provider.

Canada Sleep Society. In Australia , find a list of sleep clinics. Sleep Disorders Australia. This holiday season alone, millions of people will turn to HelpGuide for free mental health guidance and support.

So many people rely on us in their most difficult moments. Can we rely on you? All gifts made before December 31 will be doubled. Cookie Policy. What is a sleep disorder or sleep problem? Signs and symptoms of a sleep disorder Everyone experiences occasional sleeping problems, so how can you tell whether your difficulty is just a minor, passing annoyance or a sign of a more serious sleep disorder or underlying medical condition?

Is it a sleep disorder? Do you: Feel irritable or sleepy during the day? Have difficulty staying awake when sitting still, watching television or reading? Fall asleep or feel very tired while driving?

Have difficulty concentrating? Often get told by others that you look tired? React slowly? Have trouble controlling your emotions? Feel like you have to take a nap almost every day? Require caffeinated beverages to keep yourself going? What time you went to bed and woke up. Total sleep hours and perceived quality of your sleep.

Types and amount of food, liquids, caffeine, or alcohol you consumed before bed, and times of consumption. Your feelings and moods before bed happy, sad, stressed, anxious. Any drugs or medications taken, including dose and time of consumption. Get more help. Canada Sleep Society In Australia , find a list of sleep clinics. If insomnia makes it hard for you to function during the day, see your doctor to identify the cause of your sleep problem and how it can be treated. If your doctor thinks you could have a sleep disorder, you might be referred to a sleep center for special testing.

Chronic insomnia is usually a result of stress, life events or habits that disrupt sleep. Treating the underlying cause can resolve the insomnia, but sometimes it can last for years. Chronic insomnia may also be associated with medical conditions or the use of certain drugs. Treating the medical condition may help improve sleep, but the insomnia may persist after the medical condition improves. Sleep problems may be a concern for children and teenagers as well.

However, some children and teens simply have trouble getting to sleep or resist a regular bedtime because their internal clocks are more delayed. They want to go to bed later and sleep later in the morning. Sleep is as important to your health as a healthy diet and regular physical activity.

Whatever your reason for sleep loss, insomnia can affect you both mentally and physically. People with insomnia report a lower quality of life compared with people who are sleeping well. Insomnia care at Mayo Clinic.

Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Insomnia is a common sleep disorder that can make it hard to fall asleep, hard to stay asleep, or cause you to wake up too early and not be able to get back to sleep.

Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Riggin, EA. Allscripts EPSi. Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn.