Why Do I Feel So Alone at Night When I'm by Myself?
These days, we all work very hard during the day, and by evening, we tend to relax. But nowadays, most of us are engaging in the endless scrolling of social media (SM), primarily Instagram in the name of relaxation. Unconsciously, we're feeding our minds that everyone's life is a fairy tale, and my life is only bad and boring. Moreover, excessive screen time during the night hours contributes to insomnia, often leaving us feeling lonely and rejected.
Understanding the Cause: Screen Time and Insomnia
Many people find themselves staying up late to scroll through their phones, but why does this lead to loneliness and insomnia? It's because the artificial light from screens can interfere with our natural sleep cycles. Blue light, in particular, suppresses the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep. The consistent exposure to such light stimulates the brain, making it harder to fall asleep or stay asleep. This is a significant factor in the rising rates of insomnia and depression.
Comparing our current habits to those of our parents or grandparents is illuminating. Hardly anyone had insomnia or depression back then, as they didn't scroll through phones late into the night. Instead, they would typically be asleep by 10 PM and awake by 4 AM. This change in habits has a direct correlation with our growing sense of loneliness and anxiety.
Addressing the Root Cause
Feeling alone and depressed is more than just a feeling—it's often the result of a disconnect in your daily life. If you're staying with family members, there's no reason to feel this way. However, if you're missing the chaos of the world or your friends, there's a problem. You might be missing someone or something meaningful.
Identifying the Problem and Moving Forward
Take a moment to analyze why you feel lonely. Overthinking the problem will only harm you. Instead, find out the root of your loneliness and seek solutions. Remember, nothing is forever, and no one is permanent in life. You are your own best friend and ally. Be content, love yourself first, and help others as you would want to be helped.
Avoid being selfish; instead, be selfless. Helping others can bring immense happiness. Overthinking will only add to your stress, and no one can help you in such a state. Focus on the positive aspects of life, enjoy small moments, and don't wait for someone else to make you happy. You yourself are enough.
Breaking the Cycle of Loneliness and Depression
For many, the calmness of the night can be overwhelming, especially if you're alone. The only thing you hear is the constant chatter in your head. It’s challenging to feel joyful or depressed because you're alone and have to deal with anxious thoughts. By the end of the day, the reality hits: "It’s just me now," which might lead to self-doubt and questioning your relationships and purpose in life.
To address this, it’s essential to recognize that you don’t need to be working or in a relationship to cope. It's nice to have someone to talk to when you have time alone at night, but it's also important to recognize when loneliness is a result of a deeper issue. Seek ways to alleviate your loneliness through activities that bring you joy and contentment, whether it's reading, listening to music, or engaging in a hobby.
Conclusion
Feeling alone at night is a common experience, especially with the rise of digital habits that can contribute to insomnia and loneliness. By understanding the cause and taking steps to address it, you can find ways to alleviate your loneliness and improve your mental well-being. Remember, you are capable of finding contentment and happiness in life, and this starts with self-love and self-care.
God bless you.