[Brent]

I feel like my need for sleep, or my sleep worry cycle is limiting my evening life.

Prior to the insomnia cycle I’ve been in for about 5 months, I never worried about following an evening “sleep hygiene ” routine. I could watch the news (with disturbing recent events like war or climate change) , go see a live band, do tasks like fixing bikes in my workshop, or the family budget – and I still got to sleep in a reasonable time.

After this insomnia cycle started, I feel like I need to have a full evening “wind down” routine. I worry if I have to go out in the evening, or watch the news 2 hours before bed it will screw up my sleep. Sometimes, my wife likes to have a conversation before bed about important stuff like how our adult children are doing. More recently I’ve become defensive, worrying about those things impacting my sleep. So I tell my wife, can we put this off until the morning? This was rarely a worry before. I would rather like to not worry about it and not be so dependant on this “routine”.

Is this compensating behaviour impacting my sleep Is my always trying to follow a “wind down” routine unconsciously impacting my sleep? Should I just try to live my evenings with what I want to do?

[Martin Reed]

When you were sleeping well, there were no routines, rules, or rituals. You lived your life independently of sleep.

When insomnia showed up, your strengths of problem-solving and self-advocacy rose the surface. You engaged in routines. Your actions served your desire to make sleep happen, rather than you and the life you want to live. And, sleep didn’t improve. You struggled more.

Based on your experience and what you’ve learned on your journey so far, what might be a helpful way to move forward? What will you gain if you continue to engage in evening rules and routines? What will you gain if you live your evenings doing what you want to do?

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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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