Wired-Yet-Tired: Why Your “Off” Switch Feels Broken
Sleepless but exhausted? Your nervous system might be stuck in “day mode” 24/7.
You crawl into bed, desperate for deep rest, only to find your brain rehearsing tomorrow’s to-do list on loop. Sound familiar? When the stress hormone cortisol peaks late in the day, it overpowers melatonin—the hormone that cues sleep.
Why it happens
Continuous deadlines, blue-light exposure, and stimulants like caffeine keep the HPA axis (brain-adrenal link) in high gear. Your body obeys chemistry first and circadian rhythm second.
Micro-rituals that help
Evening light hygiene – dim screens two hours before bed.
Shen Men ear acupressure – a gentle thumb press calms the vagus nerve.
90-second cold rinse – signals “day is over” to the limbic system.
Clinic insight
In session we use calming auricular points and slow breathwork to remind the body it’s safe to power down. Clients often report their first undisturbed night within three visits.
Ready for steadier nights? A discovery consult can map a tailored wind-down plan.
