Anxiety and insomnia

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  • #50252
    Rick85
    ✘ Not a client

      Hi. I have had anxiety ever since I was around 12-13 years old. Some years my anxiety would be nonexistent, sometimes really hard. I moved last year to a new state, and also started a small business. Maybe it’s been the combination of the two changes, but this year my anxiety has been through the roof. I specifically have health anxiety, and I worry mostly about my heart. Recently, I had a very bad panic attack, and I was unable to relax leaving me awake all night in fear. This was one of only two times I can recall that it kept me from sleeping at all. I finally calmed down, but then was left with this worry of not being able to sleep. Of course, because I was so worried about it, I didn’t sleep for the second night in a row. I ended up not sleeping for three night in a row, then on the fourth night, I got a few hours. From that night on, my sleep was better, until a couple days ago, I again couldn’t sleep. Now this process is starting over. I feel alone and scared. I desperately want to stop worrying about this, but I am having a hard time shutting off. My mind seems to catastrophize almost everything. Over the last two weeks, my general health anxiety has kind of be turned down, and my main focus has been the sleep. This is better than going through both, but this is just so scary for me. Does anyone here have a similar experience? Any advice? Just knowing I’m not alone and having someone to talk to would be helpful.

      #50343
      Scott
      Mentor

        It’s not surprising you were experiencing some anxiety due to a couple of major life changes for you. Why do those negative sleep thoughts seem to generate so much anxiety for you? We have much less control over our thoughts, when they arrive and when they’ll leave than we think we do. Instead of trying to control your thoughts, have you considered changing the relationship with them? A simpler and better method of managing your negative thought is to thank your mind for bringing it to your attention. When you have that insomnia related thought make an appearance, just tell your mind, “Thanks for sharing!” and return to doing your activity.

        Keep in mind that thoughts are just that…thoughts! Thoughts don’t really hurt us, but our actions toward them can. If the thought, “I won’t sleep again tonight” generates arousal but “I’m a pink unicorn” doesn’t, it’s because you’re taking the first thought too seriously.

        Hope that helps,
        Scott J

        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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