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[–]jamesK_3rd 1 insightful - 1 fun1 insightful - 0 fun2 insightful - 1 fun -  (0 children)

I'm very similar. I have had trouble shutting my brain off as well, for over 35 years on this planet. The restlessness still comes and goes, and there are (much fewer) nights I'll get 1 or two hours of sleep.

I know this is going to sound odd, but you've got to push your mind as well. I'd suggest starting a yoga program, and then once you understand a good routine (there are different yoga programs, some for anxiety, depression, some to get you to start the day and some to slow you down and relax), yoga before bed can slow down your raving mind.

You should also try meditation, if your religious make it a time of prayer. I'll tell you this is the most difficult thing for me at least but also one of the most rewarding, to get your mind and them your body to slow down and focus on a just a few things. Start with just a few minutes per day and work up. It's a lifelong challenge. you can also look into mindfulness. If you're looking into professional help, they can do CBT, or a good counselor can help you get started with mindfulness/meditation/prayer.

You've got to integrate those into your life, so it's a natural part of it. That was also another hard part for me.

There's also the weed, as someone else mentioned. You won't build a tolerance generally and it will help you sleep. there aren't nearly as many side effects. But you should Also realize that it does change your neuro chemical balances, like all other drugs. It might be a good solution for the short term, but it isn't a good long term strategy. Weed isn't addictive per se, but if you have an addictive personality like me, it's easily to become dependent on it, because it's easy.