Feeling tired but unable to sleep is a common issue often caused by stress, anxiety, an imbalanced circadian rhythm, or poor sleep hygiene. When stressed or anxious, the body produces cortisol that disrupts relaxation and keeps the mind racing with worries, making it difficult to fall asleep despite fatigue. Additionally, irregular sleep schedules, excessive caffeine intake, or exposure to light before bedtime can throw off the body's internal clock, leading to tiredness during the day but wakefulness at night.
To address this, experts suggest maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, practicing good sleep hygiene, and creating a relaxing bedtime routine. If unable to sleep after about 20 minutes, it's better to get out of bed and engage in calming activities to avoid negative associations with the bed. Relaxation techniques like deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and meditation can also help calm the mind and body for better sleep.
If the problem persists or is associated with medical or psychological conditions, consulting a healthcare professional or sleep specialist is advisable to identify underlying causes and receive appropriate treatment.