The Johnson Papers

The Johnson Papers

Why You Can’t Force Yourself to Sleep

Good sleep often starts with healthy behaviors, although biological factors can also play a significant role.

John W. Johnson, DDS's avatar
John W. Johnson, DDS
Sep 28, 2026
∙ Paid

There is something strangely frustrating about lying in bed knowing you need to sleep. You have turned off the lights. The house is quiet. You know tomorrow will be easier if you get seven or eight good hours. Yet the more you think about falling asleep, the farther away sleep seems to move. You check the clock, calculate how many hours remain before morning, adjust the pillow, close your eyes again, and begin negotiating with yourself.

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