For years, my nights were the same: lying in bed, staring at the ceiling, and watching the hours crawl by. I’d try to relax, but my mind wouldn’t stop replaying the day’s conversations, tomorrow’s deadlines, and a never-ending list of “should haves.” By 3 a.m., I’d be exhausted but still wired, knowing another bleary-eyed morning was just around the corner.
Living in London didn’t help. The constant background buzz—the sirens, late-night street chatter, even the glow of the city lights—made it hard to switch off. I tried all the popular tips: herbal tea, no screens after 9 p.m., breathing exercises. Sometimes they worked a little, but the relief never lasted.
Then, almost by accident, I discovered massage therapy. I’d booked a session to help with my stiff shoulders and tension headaches. What I didn’t expect was that it would become the key to breaking my cycle of sleepless nights.
That first massage was an hour of pure stillness. As the therapist worked into the knots in my neck and back, my breathing began to slow. The usual tightness in my chest melted away, and for the first time in weeks, I felt heavy—in a good way—like my body was finally willing to let go.
That night, something miraculous happened: I slept. Not the shallow, restless half-sleep I’d grown used to, but deep, uninterrupted rest. I woke up the next morning feeling clearer and calmer than I had in months.
Curious, I booked another massage the following week. Again, I slept through the night. Over time, I realised it wasn’t just the physical relaxation that was helping—it was what massage was doing to my nervous system.
When we’re stressed or anxious, our bodies release cortisol, the hormone that keeps us on high alert. Massage helps lower cortisol levels while increasing serotonin and dopamine—the feel-good chemicals that promote relaxation and improve mood. This chemical shift helps activate the parasympathetic nervous system, the “rest and digest” mode that signals to the body: it’s safe to sleep now.
In my case, regular massage created a ritual of slowing down. It told my body, week after week, that it could stop bracing for the next wave of stress. My muscles softened, my mind quieted, and my sleep began to reset itself naturally.
Now, massage is part of my self-care toolkit. I book at least one session every two weeks, and I treat it as non-negotiable—just like eating well or exercising. The investment is worth it because the payoff is huge: peaceful nights, sharper mornings, and a much kinder relationship with my own mind and body.
If you’re struggling with insomnia, especially in a city that never seems to sleep, I can’t recommend massage enough. It’s not just about easing muscle tension—it’s about creating the conditions your body needs to truly rest.
For me, massage didn’t just help me sleep. It gave me my life back, one restful night at a time.