[rb352]

I’ve recently disturbed the old painful memories of a six month severe sleep onset insomnia episode I had many years ago, and my sleep has broken down again. What advice can anyone offer on how to manage these painful memories? How does on come come to terms and reconcile with these?

Any advice is greatly appreciated.
Rich

[rb352]

As I read through so many posts in this forum, a common thread became clear: acceptance. Those who achieve success reach acceptance with their insomnia.
I found some notes I had written down in the past when I struggled so much to sleep which were very helpful. Notable were comments like these:
• When I find myself in a peaceful mind set, acceptance flows like water. Peace & forgiveness are achieved. Joy intercedes. The present clouds lift and the future brightens. When I’m like this, I envision the future where I’m totally at peace with my sleep fears and worries. I’ve come to complete terms with them, and they have no power over me. Looking back, all is calm and peaceful. All events of the past, good and bad, led to this peaceful state of being.

The Way Out
• I’ve started this mental journey, now it’s time to see it through to a successful conclusion.
• Accceptance, acceptance, acceptance, etc.
• Focus on calming myself & getting into a peaceful frame of mind before bed each night.
• Absorb the fear into acceptance.
• If I can manage/control/minimize the fear thoughts & scenarios sleep improves measurably.
• Take it one night at a time. Make it a goal to achieve a peaceful, calm state of mind as much as possible, on as many nights as possible.
• Make this the mindset that prevails before events and trips.
• As much as possible, minimize the projections and scenario playing about upcoming events.
• As much as possible, ignore the fearful, painful thoughts. Don’t bite the hook. Don’t buy what their selling.
• Stop the beatings, endless rationalizing, and tormenting, twisted logic.
• Stop looking at the past for answers or causes.

I now see I must retrace my steps to acceptance.

[Martin Reed]

Thank you for your post and the follow-up, sharing your thoughts on acceptance. I totally agree with you that a common theme I see among people who move past their insomnia is the abandonment of all attempts to control or protect sleep and the shifting of their attention toward living the life they want to live instead!

In terms of dealing with the return of difficult patches of sleep, you might find my video on insomnia relapses helpful.

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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.

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