[Snoozybear]

How can I make plans or even function day-to-day, if I haven’t gotten any sleep and am not able to drive or grocery shop?

[hiker]

Hi Snoozybear, it sounds like you are going through a really rough time.

I have had ups and downs with insomnia for many years (doesn’t mean you will, I had severe psychiatric problems). When I have had the best handle or attitude about insomnia is when I have not let it run my life.

I know that sounds simplistic, but it is true nonetheless. I have found that when I said I cannot plan anything because I might sleep poorly the night before –or several nights before–I would continue on a bad streak of insomnia. And when I would get in this rut, insomnia took on this all-powerful image. When actually it is just that —an image.

I have been able to pull out of this mindset when I let go and realize that maybe I will sleep poorly tonight. I hope I sleep well, but if I don’t, I have made it through the next day thousands of times, and somehow I will do it again. I’ll just do what I can. I can even drive if I am tired—-unless this actually means sleepy, and provided I can concentrate to drive safely. But other than driving, I will just try to wing it and do the best I can.

I know, easier said than done, but I have traveled this road for a long time and know where the bumpy spots are.

Finally, Martin’s program addresses how our thoughts can steer us all over the place, and how we can step back and observe them rather than letting them run our lives.

Take care, you are not alone in this.

[Author]

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