Improve Sleep: Declutter Your Mind for Better Rest

Ever have trouble sleeping or want to improve your sleep? Same GIRL, same! Sleep is one of the first things to go when I'm feeling increased stress, thinking about tomorrow's task list, or when my depression is acting up. I hesitate to call it insomnia, but let's face it, it's often insomnia. Although I know I can get on the Melatonin bandwagon, and I've been there, I absolutely HATE to start relying on another medication. If I was in Canada, I would be indulging in a different kind of green remedy, but here in Texas, I have to find other ways to get the sleep I desperately need in order to be effective and be productive in the morning. The struggle is real, and it feels like a never-ending cycle of tossing and turning, which only adds to my anxiety about not getting enough rest.

The primary reason sleep often evades me is something my therapist refers to as 'thought looping'. I often find myself lying in bed, replaying the events of the day, worrying about what tasks await me tomorrow, or reflecting on past decisions that I can't change. As I'm researching and trying new techniques for sleep, I wanted to share them here with my readers and hope we can find a more peaceful nights rest together.

A ginger and white cat peacefully naps on a cozy, striped bed, exuding a sense of calm and comfort.

Three Approaches to Improve Sleep

Try a Pre-Bed Routine

Creating a peaceful bedtime routine can really help you sleep better. I have been experimenting with doing things to help me relax, like taking a warm bath, reading a book, or doing some gentle stretching (I certainly wouldn't call what I'm trying Yoga or anything resembling it, but this would work too!).

Try a Brain Dump

A 'brain dump' before bed, where I jot down all thoughts and tasks into a journal, helps release mental clutter and promotes quicker sleep. Writing everything down, from mundane tasks to significant worries, provides relief and creates mental space for rest.

Try Deep Breathing

Deep breathing, key to mindfulness and stress management, involves slow, controlled breaths to promote relaxation and well-being, reducing anxiety and enhancing mental clarity. I learned a great technique from a holistic specialist during a recent Therapy session which you can read about here- Week 1 in IOP: My Journey to Better Mental Health - Drifting Towards Simplicity In addition to deep breathing, she suggests experimenting with essential oils to help sleep, including Lavender, Chamomile, and Peppermint.

Looking to improve your sleep? Drop a comment below!

The content on Drifting Towards Simplicity is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment—please seek support from a licensed professional if needed.