[vchiemeka]

Hey all — I’m 25 and based in the Tampa Bay area. Insomnia hit me at 16 (school/sports stress), improved with structure + short med course, then crept back in 2020 after family stress, car accident, and overwork. Since then I average ~4–5h/night, mainly early awakenings. I’m working a systems engineering job and training boxing; also rehabbing L5-S1 / C5-C6 disc issues.

I’m rolling out a structured plan (CBT-I aligned): consistent wake, sunlight walks, scalp-massage→minoxidil pairing, short mobility bursts, screens off 10:30, “Release the Day” reflection, and calm-confidence quotes for early wakeups.

I’d love:
1. A weekly accountability buddy (15 min check-in) to compare sleep windows + wins/learns.
2. Tips for staying out of the perfection trap (I’m switching to “high standards”).
3. Any Tampa-area group/CBT-I recommendations (or experiences with TGH/BayCare).

Thanks for reading — happy to encourage you back. Feel free to message me privately if needed as well.

[Martin Reed]

You have a strong commitment to action!

Since this forum isn’t set up for private messaging and my approach tends to be more about doing less to try to make sleep happen, I am not sure how easy it will be for you to find an accountability partner for the plan you have in mind.

With that being said, I am keen to hear what you learn on your journey!

—

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[hiker]

Hi vchiemeka, I admire your commitment to addressing insomnia.

I am guessing your approach no doubt works well in systems engineering issues, which I am guessing involves building things, or designing things for other people to build (bridges? electrical circuits?)

Unfortunately, insomnia does not lend itself to so much of a logical approach, at least in my experience. If you want to set up a program, I would suggest Martin’s course (not getting paid to say this!). That way, you can have a set schedule, e.g. one lesson per day or whatever.

The challenging part will be letting go of definite progress reports and linear success. It can be a roller coaster.

You are certainly motivated, but I hope you keep in mind this isn’t like a tangible building project.

[Chee2308]

Hello

Your current experience greatly mirrors mine early in my recovery journey. I got out of it using the concept of befriending wakefulness. I used to think, my sleep is ruined and I’m up early, so might as well have an early start. So did laundry, watch telly or whatever. Until they became boring and I ran out of things to do. So I decided to rest instead and what better place in the world to rest other than your own warm, comfy bed? Do not get frustrated at being waking up because this is normal and not something to be feared or hated.

I didn’t focus on trying to sleep but getting comfortable. Snuggling under the sheets and being thankful for everything. A roof over my head, a peaceful and blissful home with a loving family and wonderful soft sheets to sleep in. These are the simple joys of going to bed that most people ignore because they are laser-focused on the sleeping. And trying so hard to get that perfect 8 hours or so, which always remains elusive because you are trying too hard and have become too result-orientated.

But long story short, lo and behold, I started falling back asleep again. What started as 10 mins then morphed into 20, 30 and sometimes an entire hour or two has passed without me realizing it. Over time, I stopped tracking the hours and I just let everything unfold on its own terms.

Good luck to you and best wishes.

[Author]

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