[Sianyriver]

Hi, I’ve recently developed a fear that my body has forgotten how to sleep, resulting in nights of insomnia, sometimes with no sleep at all. Since discovering cbt I this has begun to improve, though I’m still very early on. Every day is still an effort not to engage in these thoughts: fear of the night ahead etc. I am particularly struggling on days I have an early wake up. What is starting to help is constant reminders and journalling that nothing bad will happen, that i will be fine, and that my body can’t forget how to sleep. This is sometimes hourly. I have suffered with ocd in the past and these thoughts feel familiar in terms of instrusiveness and need for reassurance. Sometimes I manage these thoughts well, sometimes I don’t. I’m looking forward to reading others experiences… any help I can get!

[Martin Reed]

That fear is completely understandable! And, at the same time, it’s not possible to “forget” how to sleep. Sleep always happens when we’ve been awake for long enough 🙂

What can make things more difficult is trying to get involved in the process. Trying to make sleep happen. Trying to get rid of wakefulness. Trying to fight, avoid, or otherwise control what we’re thinking or feeling. Since we can’t control any of that stuff, the more we try the more we can set ourselves up for a struggle that makes everything more difficult.

Instead of trying to manage your thoughts or trying to change them, do you think there might be any value in practicing allowing them to exist? Acknowledging their presence and allowing them to come and go as they choose (even though you might wish they didn’t exist)? Do you feel that might help you struggle with them a bit less?

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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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