[Vakerue]

When I am awake late at night, my eyes burn and don’t want to stay open, so I find it nearly impossible to read or do any kind of visual activity.

I have been practicing CBTI techniques, and in the past when I couldn’t sleep, I would go sit on the couch and just let my thoughts drift until I started nodding off, but this time around, I’m too frustrated. I got spoiled by several weeks of decent sleep and have lost the patience for being awake! My thoughts are relentlessly focused on sleep, and consequently I’m not getting sleepy!

Anyone have suggestions for things I can do to help take my mind off insomnia that don’t require the use of my eyeballs? I also have trouble listening to recordings, because insomnia has made me super-jumpy, and sounds often startle me.

[Scott]

Hey @Vakerue!

Congratulations on exploring the CBT-I techniques, it sounds like you’ve experienced some improvements in your sleep in the last several weeks! It’s not uncommon for most people to want instant gratification in activities or behavioral changes they begin – diet/weight loss, exercise program, etc but, patience and commitment to the CBT-I methods are keys to your success. Don’t be so hard on yourself over an occasional restless night, this is a long term strategy. Setbacks can be very discouraging but you’ve got the tools and information to quickly correct the path.

Have you tried listening to podcasts or to a TV channel that’s not too stimulating (e.g., nature show, etc)?

Scott J

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[Author]

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