‘I can’t sleep because of racing thoughts at night — how can I stop them?’: Ask a doctor

Even when following the recommended sleep hygiene habits — like cutting off caffeine mid-day, stashing your devices an hour before bed, and winding down your day with light music or reading — racing thoughts could still interrupt your nightly rest.

If your sleep routine isn’t a dream, you’re not alone — one in three American adults don’t regularly get the recommended amount of uninterrupted slumber, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Fox News Digital asked a psychiatrist for common reasons and his top tips to achieve a quiet mind that’s conducive to rest.

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While causes can vary, there are some common triggers for racing thoughts at night, according to Ramaswamy Viswanathan, M.D., president of the American Psychiatric Association, who is based in Brooklyn, New York.

Stress and anxiety are the primary culprits.

"Anxiety about the day ahead can also cause it," the doctor told Fox News Digital. "Mental health conditions such as anxiety disorders and bipolar disorder also can lead to racing thoughts."

Those thoughts tend to be more active at night, when there aren’t other activities occupying the mind.

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"At night, when there are fewer distractions, it’s easier to ruminate over the day we just had and worries such as troubles at work, family or financial concerns," said Viswanathan, who is also professor and interim chair of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Downstate Health Sciences University in Brooklyn.

Consuming stimulants such as caffeine or taking certain medications close to bedtime can also interfere with relaxation and excessive mental activity, he noted. 

Racing thoughts lead to a heightened state of arousal, which makes it difficult to relax and transition into sleep, the doctor said. 

And when you finally do fall asleep, an anxious mind could interrupt that sleep as the night progresses.

"Many people also resume worrying when they wake up in the middle of the night, and this interferes with falling back asleep," Viswanathan said. 

Although it’s normal to have brief periods of awakening during the night, most people fall back to sleep quickly. 

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Those who are experiencing stress, anxiety and worry, however, aren’t able to drift back as easily. 

"Since there is physiologic arousal with racing thoughts, that arousal does not readily subside when one falls asleep, and this can interfere with deep, restorative sleep," Viswanathan told Fox News Digital. 

This can be compounded as people then start to worry about their inability to fall asleep, which makes it even more difficult to drift off.

Inadequate or poor-quality sleep can have serious negative effects on the mind and body, including decreased brain function and difficulty making decisions, solving problems and regulating emotions, Viswanathan told Fox News Digital. 

"It causes headaches, irritability and fatigue, and reduces attention and functional efficiency," he said. 

"It also contributes to traffic accidents, work mistakes and relationship impairment." 

Long-term health can also be compromised. 

"Sleep deprivation can suppress immune function, make one more susceptible to infections, and cause unhealthy eating and weight gain," Viswanathan warned.

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It can also increase the risk of developing chronic health problems such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and stroke, and can shorten life span, he added.

Taking a proactive approach is the best way to tackle chronic sleep troubles, according to Viswanathan. 

"Addressing sleep issues early on and seeking professional help when needed is important to prevent immediate and long-term consequences," he said.

Below are some actionable steps to help keep nighttime thoughts under control.

Sticking to a regular nighttime routine with a consistent bedtime and awakening time is "very important," Viswanathan advised.

Abstain from caffeinated beverages, alcohol or heavy food too close to bedtime, the doctor recommended.

Stop using smartphone displays, television screens and computers an hour before bed, Viswanathan suggested.

"The blue light emitted from these devices interferes with the circadian rhythm," he said. 

Instead, the doctor suggests listening to light music, reading a book, or using relaxation techniques such as progressive muscle relaxation, deep breathing and meditation.

Taking a warm bath about three hours before turning in may help calm the mind — but Viswanathan cautioned that it shouldn’t be too close to bedtime.

For optimal sleep, the bedroom should be quiet, dark and cool (around 68 degrees Fahrenheit), with comfortable bedding, the doctor recommended.

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Consider using motion-activated night lights to prevent falls in the event that you need to get up in the middle of the night.

If these techniques alone are not sufficient to reduce racing thoughts, Viswanathan suggests scheduling a "worry time," designating a specific window of time to think about your concerns and identifying a path to possible solutions. 

"This reassures you that you will address your worries, but keeps them from spilling over into your bedtime," the doctor said.

Consider keeping a notebook next to your bed so you can jot down your worries as they occur and tell yourself you will act on them during the specified worry period the next day, offered Viswanathan.

If these self-help techniques do not work, it may be wise to seek help from a mental health professional.

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"This is especially important if you are suffering from a mental health disorder," emphasized Viswanathan.  

The professional will perform assessments to identify any sleep disorders and recommend treatment, which may include cognitive-behavior therapy, other psychotherapies or medications.