Why can't I sleep?

Question

Hi, am 11 years old and I can't sleep. I don't know why. I go to bed, but I just lay there. Even though I close my eyes, I just can't go to sleep.

Ok, I just read some of your answers. I'm not allowed to choose best answer yet. One of you said it's because of caffaine and/or sugar. Your probably right. Before I go to sleep, I always drink starbucks(I cant help it, it just tastes soo good). I drink either mocha marciado, mocha frap., or Hot cocoa. And sometimes when I am not able to go to starbucks, I drink tea(with sugar) and eat a little something sugary.
One of you also told me to count the dots. I dont think I'll be able to do that, because if I count the dots then fall asleep, who will turn off my computer.
One of you also said its cause of my weight. I don't know. Im 11 and weigh 65 pounds. Im not on a diet or anything, though. I just go to a lot of activities. Such as gymnastics. I am very very flexible. A lot of the times when i go to bed, my muscles hurt really bad.
After you read this message, please adjust your answer, and also so i know, please tell me you read this additional message.

Answer 1

The same thing used to happen to me at your age. It drove me nuts. I felt like my brain was whirring and spinning and just wouldn't stop. Does that sound familiar?

What are you thinking about while you're trying to go to sleep? Are you worrying about things? Thinking about the next day? Planning?

Would it be feasible for you to spend some time before bed writing, maybe in a journal, to try to empty your mind of all those things that try to cram themselves into your consciousness when you need to be resting? Don't worry about following them all to their conclusions, or having them make sense. Make lists, scribble, draw, whatever - just get the ideas out.

Get into the habit of doing that before bed. Schedule it into your evening, maybe half an hour before your bedtime. Leave your journal and pen next to your bed, if you can.

That helped me, and I hope it's useful to you, as well. Good luck!

Answer 2

I'm 39 and have had the same trouble all my life. Although I've never seen a doctor about it, I've learned enought to know that I have a overactive mind that does not slow down to let me sleep. If you feel that this is similar to what you're feeling than tell your doctor as they now make medications he can prescribe to help. I know it's not fun to lie in bed for 1-2 hours(minimum) everynight trying to sleep, especially when parents, teachers etc. don't seem to understand your dilema. The best person who will understand is your doctor, so start there. Good Luck!

Answer 3

You could be drinking too much caffeine or eating too much sugar before you go to bed. Also, baloney and hotdogs make it hard to sleep if you eat them before bed. Try eating really healthy stuff that is low in salt (which can boost your blood pressure and that makes it hard to fall asleep). Also, you could be nervous about something that you don't even know about. Try going to bed half an hour later than your regular bedtime and see if you are more tired. Your bedtime could be too early.

Answer 4

the reason you probably don't go to sleep is because before you do, do you do some thing that makes you tired.

what you could do to go to sleep faster is run 5 laps around the house or atleast untill you get tired, then drink a big glass of water and go get into the bed

I bet you will fall fast asleep then

Answer 5

Are you worried about something? And do you keep thinking on something as you go to bed?
But you are only 11 years old. So there is no chance i think for tensions and worries.
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just before you go bed, take this answer and start counting how many dots are there. This is the Mr.Bean trick and my little sister shall fall asleep fast.
i was not just kidding. that works and is experimentally proved.
do it for two three days. on the fourth day sleep shall come naturally to you without counting the dots. It is a kind of nerval adjustment. A kind of nerval adaptation.

Also check you body weight. if it is too low, it can become a cause for sleeplessness. But there also your age is the thing that prevents me from speaking further. There is no possibility for an 11 year old to have such problems.

Anyway, try the trick mentioned above. It will work for an 11year old.

Good night and sweet dreams.

Answer 6

You may want to cut back on things that can keep you from getting to sleep(caffeine, light, etc.) Maybe you should see a professional about it, since it may be insomnia.

Answer 7

I have the exact same problem!I'm 13 though but it started around your age.My mom tells me my mind is restless.Does anybody know?

Answer 8

try getting up earlier so you will be sleepier when you go to bed at night.

Answer 9

being an adolescent i got this trouble too.. can't say why... make more sports - it'll be better..

Answer 10

try reading this http://health---supplements.blogspot.com/2006/12/how-to-uncover-reason-you-cant-sleep.html