[JTthemillenial]

I spent a lot of time on this forum when I had my first experience with insomnia 3 years ago… now, my insomnia is back and so am I.

In my long-term recovery I have had tons of sleep disruptions, all of which I have shaken off and never looked back. But a couple weeks ago I was put on Wellbutrin, which disrupted my sleep for a few nights and completely threw me off my known sleep patterns. One night I panicked, and the hyperarousal came raging back. My immediate response was to go off the Wellbutrin and immediately start implementing CBTi techniques. I am on day six of this bout of insomnia, every other night I don’t sleep, and on nights I sleep I only get 4-5 hours (averaging 2 hours a night now). It wasn’t even this bad the first time and I am pretty shook.

I realize that 1) it’s way too early in the process to see results 2) yes, you might say I overcorrected and ended up making the problem worse by giving it too much attention (please don’t judge me, I’m human). Has anyone experienced a relapse with a “bang” like this before? I slept fine two weeks ago, so it doesn’t even feel like a matter of “re-learning to sleep.” The hyerarousal is the only thing standing in my way. Thoughts?

Thanks!

[Martin Reed]

No judgement here — as human beings we all get stuck from time to time!

“Relapses” are natural and normal. Just as we all catch a cold from time to time (even if we regularly wash our hands) and just as we trip over from time to time (even on a flat path) and just as we experience worry, stress, and anxiety from time to time (as we live a rich and meaningful life) we will also have difficult nights from time to time.

The more we try to fight or avoid what cannot be controlled, the more we can get tangled up in a struggle that can make things even more difficult.

Arousal doesn’t stop sleep from happening — but trying to fight or avoid it sure can make sleep very difficult indeed!

Sometimes it can be helpful to refocus attention on our actions since we always have control over them — and it’s our actions that determine whether we move toward the kind of life we want to live, or away from the kind of life we want to live.

Perhaps it’s not the hyperarousal standing in your way, but the act of battling the hyperarousal?

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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.

[JTthemillenial]

Hi Martin, good to hear from you and very sweet of you to reply. I certainly typed this up when I was in a state of disbelief and despondence and needed to vent. I am still in quite a hole, but sleep is just barely starting to level out again thanks to a tighter sleep window.

Acceptance has always been my biggest challenge around insomnia. In retrospect, I am somewhat surprised I recovered as well as I did the first time considering how closely I monitored my progress. I have always been deeply attached to my sleep, and this second go-round of insomnia is forcing me to reevaluate that strong level of attachment. It is difficult and scary, but as eager as I am to feel normal again, a small part of me is ready for liberation from that deep attachment. Wish me luck.

Thanks again for holding this space. Thinking of everyone here and rooting for you all!

Jamie

[Martin Reed]

Good luck!

Adopting a different approach is difficult — it requires ongoing practice and there will be ups and downs along the way 🙂

—

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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