Perhaps ya need a slight addition to help ya sleep? Ever use music or aromatherapy?

Music actually bothers me and wakes me up more. I can't sleep to it. Aromatherapy? Not really, but maybe it might help a little. I think something else might be eating at me I don't fully realize.

I can see why music can be a bother. For me it's a bit of a focus point to help me relax as it'll help me think less about everything else. Aromatherapy works as well. Candles are a bit risky cause the risk of fire catching everywhere while you're asleep, so usually diffusers are the way to go. Going that way, lavender is a common choice for helping sleep, but it doesn't hurt to mix it other oils that help relax. As for what's eating at ya, it'll take some thinking, but it's usually something that has happened recently. For me, I've actually had the same thing where I've played Doki Doki Literature Club and couldn't get a few certain images out of my head and my thoughts would just build on that. Thankfully I didn't lose much sleep over it, but it did make me a bit disturbed until I finally got to see the ending of the game.

*tugs open your air valve and flops on top of you* ;3

*hugs*

Sounds to me like you're dreading what is coming next, your brain is so focused on knowing that you need to be up at X for a trial. Your brain doesn't want to relax or shutoff because you know the moment you go to sleep. You're going to have to wake up and get to work, and that isn't a fun prospect.

It’s still insomnia, even if it’s only occasional, it’s causing trouble! Don’t beat yourself up about it ^-^

There’s loads of things to try, and sometimes different versions of things may or may not work.

Music often keeps me awake, too! But even so it works to block outside sounds so it can be useful. Same for aromatherapy... When it’s really dry I use a mister with a super-small touch of essentiall oil. The normal levels are way too strong for me. But it’s really handy at times. And lastly, I use Modafinil to stay awake during long days so I don’t ruin my next sleep cycle - an expensive solution, but it works for me. It’s a common prescription for shift work sleepiness.

Mostly, though, it’s my head that keeps me from sleeping, getting caught up in worries or desires unfulfilled. Depression symptoms, basically. Putting them on paper can help. More pillows can help. Just...

Experiment!

Also, tell us what worked pretty please? Even if it was hiding under the blanket thinking up more furry porn ^-^

Try reading an advanced mathematics book in bed ... I like the stuff, but somehow in that situation it's a great sedative :D

There are a few methods to help with regulating sleep habits.

A habit is one thing to get used to: trying to fall asleep and wake up in that same 2 hour window in the night/morning so your body is used to that chunk of time devoted to sleep.

Avoid staring at any electronic devices within 30-60 minutes before bed. The light given off the devices will trick your mind into think it's still daytime.

Do not do any work in your bedroom; you will associate the location with tasks to do. If you are in a smaller living condition, then do not do any work on or in your bed.

It helps to read within thirty minutes before bed, but again: not on an electronic device, not even a Kindle.

Different people react to music - some are able to relax and fall asleep to it - I personally find myself focusing on it and stay awake. But different people are their own.

If you happen to wake up early, simply stay in bed. Your body will be used to the fact it's not getting up right away. Even on days off and you've slept what you want, give yourself a few extra minutes to simply stay in bed. If you wake up and instantly get to the action, your body will be used to the idea that the second you're wake you're out for work.

I hope this helps, and I wish you luck and rest.