ACT for Insomnia

Feeling stuck in the insomnia struggle? Get the free insomnia sleep training course!

Viewing 15 posts - 931 through 945 (of 1,627 total)
  • Author
    Posts
  • #34406
    Mac0908
    ✘ Not a client

      Hi Steve, long time no talk. Glad you are doing ok and at least seem to have somewhat of a grip on your insomnia. I agree with what you said about thinking I’m going to have a good night. I forget what I said, maybe that if I had a bad night the previous night then I “assume” or “know” the following night will likely be good. Yeah not the right mindset with ACT. It’s about completely letting go of any thoughts whatsoever really. With regards to clock watching that I am standing by. Way too much experience of bad anxiety flare ups when I wake and see its 3 or 4am. Maybe one day I can get there, but as of right now it’s something I am comfortable not doing.

      #34407
      Lauriso
      ✘ Not a client

        Also, is ACT effective for people who don’t really feel anxious about going to sleep? I can usually fall asleep without much worry. It’s just that my sleep is shallow and fragmented. I’ve sort of accepted that, while also searching for a solution, of course.

        Moreover, I had fatigue issues for years without even suspecting my sleep was to blame, so any kind of anxiety over sleep wasn’t on the table. If my brain is on “high alert” when I sleep, then it has reasons of its own I’m not event aware of.

        PS My previous comment and reply to Deb is still “awaiting moderation” for some reason and not showing ?

        • This reply was modified 5 years ago by Lauriso.
        • This reply was modified 5 years ago by Lauriso.
        #34410
        Deb
        ✓ Client

          Lauriso – have you been checked out already for sleep apnea? A friend of mine was not sleeping well for months and finally found he has sleep apnea. Now he uses the mask and is sleeping much better.

          Steve – I’m still taking the minimum dosage of Effexor, but not for sleep. Just want to keep a upbeat attitude about some other things going on in my life right now.

          I had a couple rough nights. This sleep thing is so delicate and it’s so easy to get out of whack! The night before last I was too warm and somehow that kept me awake for a long time. Finally I looked at the clock and was surprised to see that it was 3:00! So I got up, had a white Russian and read for about 45 minutes. Then I was just about to go back to bed when I decided to take an Ambien to make sure I slept. Not a good idea, but oh well. I slept about 4 hours and woke up groggy but was fine all day. But this set me up for a difficult night last night. I had lost confidence in my ability to sleep without any props by having the drink and the sleeping pill. So last night again I laid in bed for a long time even though I was tired. Finally I got up after 2 hours, had a drink, read about 30 minutes and went back to bed. Fell asleep right away but then woke up too early and couldn’t fall back asleep. I’m tired today.

          So tonight I need to go cold turkey again to get out of this cycle. No drinks, no pills, no getting up – just stay in bed. It might be a long night, but that’s ok, because this is what get’s me back on track and reminds my brain that I can sleep without any crutches. Then I start sleeping like a normal person again.

          #34411
          Steve
          ✓ Client

            I know exactly what you mean about body temperature Deb. Ever since I came down with insomnia, it has been difficult to adjust for my body temp. It seems I am too cold and have to pull up the blankets or too warm and throw some off. And that cycle will repeat itself all night unless I am sleeping and can ignore it. Two nights ago, our outside temperature when down to 5 degrees. I live in a drafty house and the furnace had trouble keeping up so I woke up very cold even though I had a lot of blankets on. I had to put more clothing on but once I did, I went to sleep right away. That’s when I got the 7.5 hours of sleep. Last night I thought I would be cold again so put the extra clothing on but then had trouble getting to sleep because I was so warm. I am looking forward to just getting into bed and resting tonight. Whatever happens, happens. I do have to try and control this anxiety about work though. More bad thoughts to welcome in the night.

            #34412
            Deb
            ✓ Client

              Thanks, Steve. Sounds like overall you’re getting better. I’m lucky that I don’t have to worry about getting up early. This has helped me a lot and has removed that element of anxiety. I’m able to go to bed and just sleep as long as I need to sleep, which is usually until 7:30.

              #34416
              Mac0908
              ✘ Not a client

                Sorry to hear about this minor setback, Deb. Though it sounds like you have great confidence that you’ll be able to pull through it just fine. Huge progress from where you were early this year.

                #34398
                Lauriso
                ✘ Not a client

                  Thanks Deb, I’ve actually already posted my story here: https://insomniacoach.com/forums/topic/the-isolation-the-helplessness-the-lack-of-energy-the-anxiety-and-the-worry/

                  Usually I can fall asleep, but my sleep is either fragmented (often waking consciously or unconsciously, or being in a very shallow sleep state, kind of like half awake). This all started with an insane panic disorder episode (to the point of being suicidal). Clonazepam saved my life, I used it for a month, then tapered off with no side effects or the need to take it ever again. It may just be a coincidence, but that’s when the fatigue started. And it’s been almost three years now!

                  I don’t even know what ACT is though!

                  #34418
                  Lauriso
                  ✘ Not a client

                    Deb,

                    Yes, I did an apnea test and that’s not it.

                    • This reply was modified 5 years ago by Lauriso.
                    #34420
                    Deb
                    ✓ Client

                      I’m hoping so, Mac. It worked last time.

                      Lauriso – if you’re interested in finding out about ACT, the best resource is reading The Sleep Book by Dr. Guy Meadows. The focus is on reducing any anxiety about sleep (either consciously or unconsciously) so that your brain settles down and you can sleep normally again. He also has a website you can check out with a brief introduction to it.

                      #34421
                      Lauriso
                      ✘ Not a client

                        Thanks Deb, but I really don’t think I have anxiety about sleep. As I mentioned, the issues have persisted long before I even suspected my sleep was disturbed.

                        #34423
                        Deb
                        ✓ Client

                          Ok, thanks for the clarification. Most everyone here on this forum has the anxiety perpetuated insomnia, that’s why I thought you might too. I hope you can find the cause and solution to your shallow sleep.

                          #34428
                          Mac0908
                          ✘ Not a client

                            Well the streak is over. Had a good four nights in a row of decent sleep. Last night it just didn’t happen. My sleep became very broken towards the end with light early awakenings and all that. Bad night. Zombie today, ugh. Surprised, too. Did a nice little amount of mindfulness before bed.

                            Always such a disappointment when you don’t just have a “so so” night but a flat out BAD night when coming off of a good spurt. Irks me. But I’ll accept it, or at least try to, for most of today. Off to the coffee machine I go, heavy bags under the eyes….

                            Deb and Steve, how’d you sleep last night ?

                            • This reply was modified 5 years ago by Mac0908.
                            • This reply was modified 5 years ago by Mac0908.
                            #34431
                            Steve
                            ✓ Client

                              Sorry to hear about your bad night Mac. I agree those can be tough after a couple good nights. I had a relatively good sleep of 6 hours,, or maybe slightly less. Have a headache this morning but not falling asleep at my desk. I’m trying to stay positive but wondering of I’ll ever get over this.

                              Deb – How did you do?

                              #34432
                              Mac0908
                              ✘ Not a client

                                Steve just curious what has your last month or two been like? Haven’t really read every post here unfortunately.

                                #34433
                                Steve
                                ✓ Client

                                  Mac – Fluctuates but mostly in the 5 to 7 range. But when I got below 5, they are killers in the 1 to 2 range.

                                Viewing 15 posts - 931 through 945 (of 1,627 total)

                                Get involved in this discussion! Log in or register now to have your say!


                                Want help from a caring sleep coach?

                                My name is Martin Reed and I am the founder of Insomnia Coach®. Enroll in my free sleep training course and start improving your sleep today.

                                • * Get 1 email every day for 2 weeks.
                                • * Learn how to improve your sleep.
                                • * Pay nothing (it's free).

                                Over 10,000 people have taken the course and 98% would recommend it to a friend. Your email address will not be shared or sold. You can unsubscribe at any time. Privacy policy.

                                Certified Health Education Specialist logo Certification in Clinical Sleep Health logo ACE-certified Health Coach logo