When Overwhelm Seduces You Into Sleep

 When Life Feels Like Too Much: The Urge to Sleep

I’ve noticed something about myself over the years—when life starts piling up, when stress and expectations feel overwhelming, my first instinct isn’t to fight or push through. It’s to sleep.

It’s not laziness. It’s not a lack of motivation. It’s a response, almost a retreat, as if my body and mind decide that the best way to cope with overload is to shut down for a while. And in a way, they’re right. Sleep is restorative. It gives the nervous system a break, lets the mind reset, and offers an escape from the endless demands of the day. But when it becomes a pattern, when sleeping feels like the only option in response to stress, it’s worth pausing to understand why.

For me, it’s about overwhelm. As an acting coach, mentor, and creative, I pour a lot into what I do. I give energy, encouragement, and space for others to grow. But sometimes, when too much is happening at once, when decisions, pressures, and responsibilities start stacking up, my brain waves a white flag. Instead of tackling the list, I crave rest. I crave stillness.

I know I’m not alone in this which is why I’m writing openly about it. Many people experience what feels like an exhaustion switch flipping when life gets too heavy. Sometimes, it’s physical exhaustion from overwork, but often, it’s emotional exhaustion. The mind gets overloaded, and the body follows suit.

So what do we do about it? For me, I’ve learned to recognize when sleep is a healthy reset versus when it’s avoidance. There’s a difference between taking a necessary break and using sleep as a way to hide from stress. When I feel myself leaning too far into the latter, I remind myself that movement—any movement—helps. Getting outside, talking to a friend, even standing up and stretching can shift the energy just enough to break the cycle.

I also practice self-compassion. It’s easy to feel guilty for needing rest, but that guilt only adds to the stress. Instead, I try to accept that my mind and body are asking for something, and I listen. Sometimes that means allowing myself to take a nap without judgment. Other times, it means gently pushing through and tackling just one small thing to regain momentum.

Action is the antidote to anxiety.

If you find yourself in the same place—where the weight of everything makes you just want to sleep—know that you’re not alone. Your response is valid. But also know that you have options. Rest when you need to, but also explore ways to lighten the load in a way that keeps you engaged with life. Because even though sleeping through the storm feels like relief, there’s also joy in learning how to stand in it, knowing you’ll come out the other side. Never forget my motto: Collaboration Is Key. You don’t have to figure everything out alone. 

Keep up the great work,

– Mark Evans