Feeling exhausted but unable to sleep is one of the most common and frustrating sleep complaints. It usually signals that the body’s arousal system is still active despite physical fatigue — elevated cortisol, unresolved mental stimulation, or too much screen exposure close to bedtime are frequent causes. Practically: avoid screens for at least 30 minutes before bed, keep the room cool, and use the time before sleep to slow the nervous system rather than waiting for it to switch off on its own. Some people find that sedating herbs like valerian are too heavy for this kind of wired-but-tired state, and respond better to cooling, rebalancing herbs such as chrysanthemum or jujube, which aim to reduce internal agitation rather than simply suppress alertness.
