6 months past CBTI regimen, still not 100% over it

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  • #58670
    alax
    ✘ Not a client

      Hi everyone,
      After months of chronic insomnia I started CBTI. After 8-12 weeks I started to see meaningful improvements, but I still have a not-so-great night about twice a month. Luckily, they are generally one-night occurrences and don’t lead to a cascade of bad nights like they used to. I also use some left-over sleep medication that I use as needed, like before a big day that I’m wired about the day before, but this is also only a couple times a month.

      I also have some sleep anxiety virtually every night before bed, and am surprised that 6 months after I started CBTI, with generally positive results, I’m still experiencing anxiety around sleep.

      What have your experiences been? Is it normal to take so long to put insomnia in the rear view mirror?

      Thanks!

      • This topic was modified 2 years, 2 months ago by alax.
      #58718
      Chee2308
      ✓ Client

        Hello! What does 100% full recovery mean to you? And how many % recovered do you think you are now? What would do you differently in your daily life if you are fully recovered? Will there be much difference from your present life, if at all?

        If the difference is miniscule, is achieving total recovery really that important now? Have a deep thought about this. Good luck!

        #58748
        alax
        ✘ Not a client

          Thanks Chee2308! To me, 100% recovery means that I don’t think about whether I’ll sleep before bedtime anymore, just like the in the before times.

          I guess it’s not that critical, I generally pull through a bad night fine and get on with life, it’s just more of a curiosity as to when sleep related worry disappears.

          #58763
          Chee2308
          ✓ Client

            Isn’t it a bit weird to define total recovery that way? Because isn’t sleeping the main objective here? So why wouldn’t it be normal for people to think about the very act that they are going to be engaging in?

            If suppose you allow yourself to think about sleep before bed, how that journey had been for you, with its ups and downs, and not try to penalize, judge or blame yourself for doing something that’s completely normal for someone who’s been through a traumatic experience, wouldn’t that be more liberating? Good luck!

            #59609
            Martin Reed
            ★ Admin

              If you are a human being, you will experience anxiety — living a life trying to avoid anxiety would be a bit like trying to live a life without a heartbeat!

              Anxiety is a symptom of your brain doing its job and looking out for you. Sometimes that anxiety is really helpful — for example, if a vampire knocks on your door you will feel anxious, not invite the vampire in for dinner, keep all your blood to yourself, and live. Sometimes it’s less helpful — for example, your brain might wonder what will happen if you don’t fall asleep.

              The good news is, you always get to choose how to respond to anxiety. Often, the struggle happens when we try to fight or avoid it — because we just can’t control what the brain does (and we don’t need to).

              I hope there’s something useful here!

              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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