[Amandalea]

Hello everybody out there,
first of all, I feel your struggle and I have great compassion for everyone going through insomnia! It’s hard, but it’s nothing that can’t get better.
I´m struggling with Insomnia since 6 years, with ups and downs along the way. Sometimes my sleep is going better for a while and then one difficult experience can start the insomnia cycle again, because my brain automatically is like ,,Oh now this stressful situation happened, I’m sure you won’t be able to sleep tonight”, because it automatically connects difficult events in life with insomnia nights (because this was the initial trigger for my insomnia). First of all, is there any advice for that? Because I know, that everyonye in life experiences challenges and this shouldn’t automatically lead to insomnia, it’s just the fear, that insomnia will start again, And what keeps it actually alive then is the sleep anxiety, that starts again every time a difficult situations occurs.
Second question: I just started getting up at 7 in the morning each day again and only go to bed when I’m really sleepy enough for sleep. I have to admit, I never was consistent with it, but this time I’m really willing to stick to this, because I noticed improvements in the past with this method, I just didn’t follow it long enough. The thing is now, that in 3 weeks I’m going to start a job (which will only last 2 weeks), which requires to work late, until 11 pm. Now I’m already worried about what to do with my sleep window at that time period, because until I’m home it will be midnight and I know I can’t immediately go to bed then, because I need some time to calm my mind. Is it okay to adjust the sleep window for that time then and get up one hour later in the morning? I know it sounds silly, but this already makes me worried now, so I wanted to ask for an advice, what do your recommend to do with the sleep window, when working hours change?

[Martin Reed]

I think it can be helpful to acknowledge all the thoughts and feelings your mind is generating as it does its job of looking out for you and allowing them to come and go as they choose. Trying to fight or avoid them is not only futile (since we can’t directly or permanently control the mind) but it’s exhausting and it can end up consuming all your energy and attention!

I think it’s perfectly OK to change your sleep window when your lifestyle is going to be changing. Ultimately, we want our focus to be on living the life we want to live rather than trying to protect or otherwise control what cannot be controlled (like sleep)!

I hope this helps!

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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.

[Chee2308]

Take care of your other stuff in your life first. Put sleep on the last spot in your to-do list. Then forget all about it and move on. If you are able to do that, you will do extremely well indeed. Just stop chasing sleep, let it chase you!

[Amandalea]

Thank you two a lot, that was very helpful!!:)

[Author]

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