Fall Asleep Faster

Can't fall asleep

Also called Sleep-onset insomnia, Insomnia, Can't sleep, Trouble sleeping

4 min plan68 min with every studyUpdated Sep 27, 2026

Who it's forA man who lies in bed for an hour or more because his brain will not switch off.

When to see a doctor

In an emergency, call 911.
Breathing that stops and starts in sleep, gasping or choking noises, or feeling very tired every day. This can be sleep apnea.
Trouble sleeping for months, or bad enough that daily life is hard to cope with, after changing your habits has not helped.
A strong urge to move your legs at night that stops you sleeping. This can be restless legs syndrome.
Low mood, no motivation or no interest in things, most of the day, every day, for more than 2 weeks. Or worry you cannot control, with poor sleep.
Needing alcohol to sleep most nights, or shaking, sweating or feeling nauseous without a drink. Stopping suddenly can be dangerous: get medical help first.
A racing heart, weight loss, feeling hot and shaky, with the sleeplessness. Ask for a thyroid blood test.
A medicine you think is keeping you awake. Ask your doctor or pharmacist before you stop it.
Bipolar disorder, or days of high energy needing little sleep. Lost sleep can trigger a high: only do sleep restriction with a doctor.
Epilepsy. Tiredness can trigger a seizure: only do sleep restriction with a doctor.
Feeling sleepy while driving. Do not drive.

I am not a doctor. This is not medical advice. This is self-education. Every dose on this page is the one a label or trial used, quoted from it. It is not a prescription. Talk to a physician who has your history before anything in the With a doctor group. Do the same before sleep restriction with bipolar disorder, epilepsy or a job where drowsiness is dangerous.