Overthinking Has Completely Ruined My Sleep Schedule, Send Help

I am currently writing this at 3 a.m. on a Tuesday night. Despite how much I enjoy writing these articles, I honestly would much rather be asleep right now, dreaming about eating a 30-foot taco, but I can't fall asleep. I've tried everything — watching my favorite show, listening to calming music, even taking melatonin. Nothing has worked.

Recently, I've had absolutely zero luck falling asleep when I want to. After trying podcasts, relaxation techniques that my psychology teacher sent me, and eventually medicine, I have given up. I'm so tired, but I can't stop thinking.

Overthinking is the sole reason for my sleep paralysis, but I can't seem to stop.

I've read about ways to stop overthinking, including focusing on the present and avoiding thinking about the past. However, I have consistently tried and failed at completing this task.

I don't know why I do it. It's not like this overthinking is beneficial to me in any way. My brain doesn't say "sleep is for the weak, stay awake and be productive." What it says is, "Why did you say that today? What could you have done differently? There are so many opportunities for you to mess up in the future."

I stress out about and analyze situations, mistakes, things that have happened or I'm afraid will happen in the future. Laying there in my bed, in the middle of the night, there is nothing I can do, there is nothing I can stress out about that will accomplish anything. However, I still continue to think, think, and think again.

Hopefully, one day I will be able to say, "There's nothing more you can do at this moment, stop thinking and fall asleep," and genuinely believe it. I look forward to that day. But for now, I will have to accept my erratic sleep schedule.

I'm just here to let you know that if you're an overthinker, you're not alone. And if you have any tips on how to get a good night's rest, I am begging you to reach out. Thank you in advance.