Insomnia
Every night I fight with sleep. My mind races, and my body craves rest, but I lie awake. Insomnia is a quiet battle that hides under the covers. Other people close their eyes and drift away, but I stay awake, counting minutes and feeling time slip away. This problem makes me feel frustrated, lonely, and tired.
The moment I turn off the light, my thoughts come alive. I think about the tasks of the day, the mistakes I made, and the plans I must complete. My heart starts to beat faster, and I feel a knot in my stomach. I try to relax, but my brain finds new worries to feed on.
Hours pass as I toss and turn. I stare at the ceiling, at the dark corners of my room. I check my phone to see the time. Every time I look, the numbers move too fast. I wonder if I will ever close my eyes.
When morning comes, the alarm feels like a harsh shout. My body feels heavy, like I have carried a load all night. I am tired before the day even starts. I struggle to focus at work. I struggle to keep my eyes open.
My mood grows low. I feel impatient with friends, and I lose interest in simple joys. Coffee helps sometimes. I find myself in a loop: I need energy, so I drink coffee, but then I cannot sleep.
I have tried many solutions. I drink herbal tea in the evening. I read a book under soft light. I practice slow breathing and gentle stretches. Sometimes I take a warm bath to relax. I write down my thoughts in a notebook so they do not chase me in the dark.
I have also tried sleep medicine, under my doctor’s advice. These pills help sometimes, but they can also make me dizzy, or I fear they will stop working. I worry about depending on medicine for sleep. I like the idea of natural rest, but my body does not always agree.
Talking about my insomnia helps me feel less alone. I share my story with friends, and they listen with care. Some of them also struggle with sleep. We exchange tips, like listening to quiet music, using a white noise machine, or keeping a strict bedtime routine.
I have learned small steps that give me hope. I limit screen time in the evening. I keep my bedroom cool and dark. I go to bed at the same hour each night. I avoid heavy meals before sleeping. These changes do not solve everything, but they make the nights a little easier.
Still, some nights I lie awake and feel helpless. I remind myself that sleep may come soon. I try to let go of worry and welcome rest, even if it is slow. I place my hand on my heart and breathe deeply. I tell myself that tomorrow is a new day.