So, on limited experience, it's a trend: I have a helluva time getting to sleep while outing. Happened my one adventure last summer, on a perfect, soft, level site, and again this past weekend. Just could not get to sleep. Part of it is the excitement and enthusiasm of being out hiking, part the discomfort and unfamiliarity of not being in my own bed.
But, bottom line, both times, in about as good a conditions as you could ask for camping out, I had a helluva time getting to sleep. I finally caught 2-3 hours of winks this past Sunday AM, from like 4-6:30, similar to my experience last July. Both times, I had not had a big day of hiking beforehand - I'm sure being good and tired after a long hike would help. As I recall, night 2 of last July, after the very hard hike on Boott Spur, I did seem to sleep better.
A long hard hike doubtless will help, but does anyone have any other helpful suggestions? Eat a bunch of turkey late, maybe? Warm up some milk? I don't load up caffeine, so that's not the problem - I think it's mainly nervous energy and discomfort - my bed and mattress are pretty doggone nice at home. Thanks in advance for any helpful input.