Why can't I fall asleep despite being tired?

You've tried everything to fall asleep, but nothing works. Your brain seems to be running at full speed, and you're starting to feel tired.

Insomnia is a major challenge for many people to overcome.
When it occurs too frequently, insomnia can have significant repercussions on physical and mental health through sleep deprivation.

In this article, we review the various biological, psychological, and environmental factors that contribute to the inability to fall asleep despite fatigue. This is an essential prerequisite for finding solutions.

Understanding sleep cycles and its phases

Sleep is a process that is divided into two distinct phases that follow and repeat each other until waking up.
Each characterized by specific brain activity patterns and unique physiological manifestations.

Slow wave sleep also called non-REM

The first stage of sleep is slow-wave sleep, also known as non-REM (NREM) sleep.

This phase is further divided into four stages, ranging from light sleep to deep sleep. During slow-wave sleep, the body regenerates, cognitive functions are reorganized, and physiological recovery processes take place. It is also during this phase that the brain consolidates memories and processes information gathered during the day.

Rapid sleep also called REM

The second stage of sleep is REM sleep, also called REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep.

This phase of brain activity is characterized by rapid, desynchronized waves, similar to those observed during wakefulness. It is during REM sleep that the most vivid dreams and characteristic rapid eye movements occur. This phase is essential for emotional regulation, as well as for mental and nervous balance.

A disrupted cycle leads to sleep disorders

In a person who does not suffer from any sleep disorder , the sleep cycle repeats itself several times during the night, with periods of slow and REM sleep alternating regularly.

However, any imbalance or disruption in this cycle leads to difficulty falling asleep or maintaining quality sleep, thus contributing to insomnia despite feeling tired.

Psychological and emotional factors that prevent sleep

More than half of insomnia is due to stress.

Stress, anxiety, and depression are associated with alterations in neurobiological processes regulating sleep, including hyperactivation of the sympathetic nervous system and dysregulation of stress hormones.

These changes can disrupt the natural sleep cycle and compromise the ability to fall asleep despite fatigue.

The influence of lifestyle habits on sleep

Lifestyle habits and hygiene play an essential role in the quality of sleep.

The most impactful factors on sleep regulation are:

• The sleeping environment (light, noise pollution)
• Consumption of stimulants (caffeine and alcohol)
• Stimulating activities before bedtime (video games, sports, etc.)
• Irregular sleep schedules

Physiological and medical factors disrupt sleep

Certain medical conditions can disrupt the process of falling asleep . These include, for example, sleep-related breathing disorders such as sleep apnea and neurological disorders.

These disruptions lead to frequent interruptions during the night and fragmentation of sleep.

Furthermore, dysfunctions in the regulation of sleep hormones, such as melatonin , may contribute to insomnia despite fatigue.

Solutions to reduce the onset of insomnia

To treat insomnia , it is important to be able to identify the origin of the problems.

If insomnia and difficulty falling asleep are related to lifestyle or the external environment, it is necessary to address this by adopting a proper routine before bedtime and/or by reducing external disturbances. Eye masks or wax balls for the ears can be part of the solution!

When the problems are linked to physiological or pathological factors, you should obviously turn to your doctor for a precise diagnosis and appropriate therapeutic monitoring.

Finally, when insomnia is linked to an emotional burden or excessive stress, it may be useful to try relaxation techniques in combination with relaxing herbal solutions or melatonin-based food supplements.

The best results are achieved by combining several aids.

A melatonin supplement to promote sleep

At Argalys, we have developed a formula specially designed to facilitate falling asleep , help the body rest and act quickly from the first dose.

Our spray contains melatonin, vitamin B6, honey and concentrated poppy extract : four active ingredients known for their benefits on sleep and stress.

This synergistic combination guarantees high effectiveness, from the first day of treatment. In addition, sublingual absorption allows for a very rapid effect, after just a few minutes.

Our sleep supplement is a great solution for getting back to sleep quickly. Check out our online reviews!