TeenHealthFX - Answers - Racing Thoughts At Bedtime

Other Emotional Health Issues / Question
Published: January 15, 2000

Dear TeenHealthFX,

I can never get to sleep at night. My mind starts racing through 100 thoughts at a time. I try to focus on one thing, but it just ends up with my mind racing again. Please try to help me.

Signed: Racing Thoughts At Bedtime

Dear Racing Thoughts At Bedtime,

100 thoughts at a time must be overwhelming and upsetting when all you are trying to do is get some sleep!

Some questions to think about:

Are you experiencing this just at bedtime?
Are you sleeping too much?
Are you trying to sleep to escape something in your life?
Do you feel okay and settled in your daily life?
Do you feel like you have a lot of things to worry about and think about?
Is this the only symptom you are having?
Are you feeling sad or suffer from mood swings?
Do you cry often?
Do you have periods of shakiness, sweating or shortness of breath?
Do you have thoughts of hurting yourself or committing suicide?

With so little information, it is hard to tell what is going on. What you are feeling may be a sign that you need professional help in dealing with some of your worries. It may just be that you are going through a hard time in your life where you have a lot of stress and concerns. On the other hand, racing thoughts are a symptom of any number of different treatable conditions such as an anxiety disorder, panic attacks, attention deficit disorder, depression, mania or obsessive compulsive disorder. As you see, there are many possibilities and it is best to be evaluated by a professional.

Either way, you need to talk to someone like your parents, a doctor, school nurse or guidance counselor. They will be able to get you the help you need so you can get a good night sleep.

Many teenagers go through times where things become too much to handle alone. If this concern of having racing thoughts has increased to feelings of sadness, depression, anxiety, panic or suicide, please seek immediate help. In New Jersey, please call Atlantic Behavioral Health's 24-hour CRISIS HOTLINE at (973) 540.0100. Outside of New Jersey, please call the National Hope Line at (800) SUICIDE.

Signed: TeenHealthFX