Why You’re Exhausted but Can’t Switch Off at Night

If you feel completely drained by the end of the day but still struggle to relax once you finally lie down, you are not imagining it.

Many mums in Bangor tell me the same thing. Their body feels heavy. Their eyes are tired. Yet their mind stays alert. Thoughts loop. Sleep feels just out of reach.

This happens because exhaustion and relaxation are not the same thing.

Throughout the day, your nervous system is constantly responding. Listening for needs. Managing emotions. Holding mental load. Even when the house goes quiet, your body has not yet been told that it is safe to rest.

This is why switching off can feel impossible, even when you are desperate for sleep.

What’s Really Happening in Your Body

Your nervous system has two main modes. One designed for action and alertness. The other for rest and recovery.

As a mum, you spend much of the day in the first mode. By evening, your mind may be tired, but your body is still waiting for a signal that the day is over.

This is not something you can force with willpower.

It responds best to gentleness.

Small Ways to Help Your Body Wind Down

You do not need a perfect routine. You need reassurance.

Slow breathing with longer exhales helps the nervous system soften.
Warmth across the shoulders encourages muscles to let go.
Gentle touch signals safety in a way words cannot.

These are the same principles used in restorative massage.

When Extra Support Helps

Many mums find that in home massage in Bangor helps them access a deeper level of rest than they can reach alone.

Massage works directly with the nervous system, not just muscles. It helps your body remember how it feels to be supported.

If your nights feel restless and your body never quite settles, it may not be sleep you are missing. It may be regulation.