Can’t switch off? Feeling on edge and irritable? Desperate for a really good night’s sleep, the kind where you wake up feeling refreshed and ready for the day? You’re not alone.

We are subject to an increasing onslaught of information and stimulation unlike anything humanity has previously known. One edition of a newspaper contains more information than someone in the 17th Century encountered in a whole lifetime – and that’s just whilst you’re eating your breakfast! Compounding this challenge is the fact that our brains have trouble separating the trivial from the important, which makes all this information processing exhausting. Sometimes, even when you have the intention to wind down and relax, modern life has other plans for you.

Typically, we find our nervous systems running faster and faster just to keep up, we become wired. As a consequence of being wired, it becomes progressively harder to switch off. Have you ever noticed how babies when they get overtired can’t settle and become increasingly distressed? As adults, the same process is happening, but we are better at pushing through the tiredness barrier and soldiering on. In other words, you are good at ‘switching on’ and even when you do stop for a moment, your nervous system stays on standby mode, ready to leap into action again at a moment’s notice. It’s not surprising all this go, go, go leaves you feeling deeply exhausted.

So how do we access the deep rest our bodies are craving? Try these tips:

One night a week, go electronics free: Switch off the TV, turn off your mobile phone and hide the laptop. Better still, every night before sleep, turn off all devices at least two hours before you got to bed and give your body and mind a chance to unwind. Try reading an actual book, doing a jigsaw puzzle, or playing or listening to some music instead.  

Include a relaxation practice in your day: Even five minutes starts to re-train your nervous system to unwind. When your mind is really busy, I would recommend a guided practice – so your busy mind doesn’t just cycle through its habitual thoughts whilst you’re trying to relax.

Get out into nature: Or learn to meditate. Both are very healing and proven to reduce stress.

Let go of multi-tasking all day: Find space in each day where you can stick to one task. Your nervous system will thank you.

Remember to breathe: A few deep mindful breaths will quickly bring your mind and body into the moment and offer your nervous system a much-needed pause.

Reach out and get support if you’re struggling. Acupuncture is exceptionally good at helping your body and mind to relearn how to access deep relaxation and restful sleep, and herbal medicine can profoundly soothe an irritated and depleted nervous system. For many people, remedial massage can help you connect with your body and help you unwind.