12 yr old help – how to explain?

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  • #76483
    Ladysarah1985
    ✘ Not a client

      Hello! My insomnia has been really helped by Martin’s work. Now my 12 year old goddaughter is struggling with insomnia. She had a hard time sleeping at a sleepover, and after that she developed intense anxiety sleeping in her own room. She’s been bouncing between the couch and her mom’s floor; we all know this routine. Sometimes she’ll be able to relax for a while, but when she’s reminded of her sleep fears, it starts all over again.

      I have been an understanding resource for her, and I think it helped her to have someone who gets it. I’ve never implemented sleep restriction, but my sleep has been improved by surrendering to my lack of control. But she still has some trouble.

      I am going to be babysitting her & her baby sister for 5 days, and I’m wondering if anyone has insight into how to explain these concepts to a young person. I have found it hard as an adult to wrap my mind around how the best thing I can do to sleep is to let go. She is struggling with hormones and the adolescent need to start finding some control over her own life & body.

      As a side note, I wouldn’t turn down reassuring words for me about 5 days with a toddler that doesn’t sleep well. I’ve been sleeping reliably at home, and I figure if I can get through 2 years of extreme sleep deprivation, I can do 5 days. But I still am a little nervous.

      #76944
      Martin Reed
      ★ Admin

        This would be outside my area of expertise and, since you know your goddaughter best, I suspect you would be the best person to figure out how to explain what you know about dealing with insomnia in a helpful way 🙂

        Letting go typically involves acknowledging what we are thinking and feeling — allowing it to sit with us or to float next to us like a beach ball — rather than trying to fight or avoid it. Observing rather than fighting. When we try to push a beach ball under the water because we don’t want it next to us, what happens? If we just let it float alongside us, what happens?

        I hope this helps. And, when it comes to spending time with a toddler that doesn’t sleep well — perhaps spending that time with the little one is a greater contributor to living a rich and meaningful life than how you might sleep during that time?

        If you are ready to stop struggling with insomnia you can enroll in the online insomnia coaching course right now! If you would prefer ongoing phone or video coaching calls as part of a powerful three month program that will help you reclaim your life from insomnia, consider applying for the Insomnia Mastery program.

        The content of this post is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It is not medical advice and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, disorder, or medical condition. It should never replace any advice given to you by your physician or any other licensed healthcare provider. Insomnia Coach LLC offers coaching services only and does not provide therapy, counseling, medical advice, or medical treatment. All content is provided “as is” and without warranties, either express or implied.

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