[Stevegil]

I dread my bed! It is the time I know I should sleep and that is the very objective that makes me anxious and prevents me from dozing off. Although my sleepless nights started several months ago, I have recently been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. This has led me to fear the future and the impact this will have on my partner, who will need to devote a lot of time caring for me. Currently I am able bodied, but the thought of this degenerative disease gradually taking over is amplified in my mind when I try to sleep.

My health condition may not be the source of my insomnia, but simply mind babble taking over at night. I try to train my mind to think positive thoughts, like my next holiday, but even that is spoilt by the thoughts of having insomnia when I am away from home.

My fear of the future has brought me to Insomnia Coach and I look forward to hearing from anyone who can identify with my particular dilemma.

[Martin Reed]

Fear of the bed (and even ‘bed dread’) is quite normal for those with sleep problems. That’s because we’ve learned that the bed is a place for stress and wakefulness rather than relaxation and sleep! Getting a diagnosis of Parkinson’s on top of this is an added stressor that is going to make sleep more difficult, too.

From what you’ve written, it sounds as though the biggest battle you are facing right now is with your own mind. This, too, is common. When we worry, we activate our arousal system (also called fight-or-flight mode). This makes sleep almost impossible. In order to improve sleep, therefore, it’s important that we try to avoid activating the arousal system, or practice techniques that will weaken the effect of the arousal system. There are a few ways to do this, such as:

1. We can recognize that sleep is something we have little control over, therefore there is little point in worrying too much about it,

2. We can ensure that we have realistic expectations about sleep, and understand what ‘normal sleep’ really is,

3. We can practice behaviors that give us the best chance of sleep (examples include following a regular, and appropriate sleep schedule, and getting out of bed when we can’t sleep).

Practicing positive thinking and other relaxation techniques is a good idea, too — just bear in mind that relaxation is a skill, so it requires a lot of practice. Also, remember that the ultimate goal of relaxation is relaxation — not sleep!

You sound as though you’d be a good candidate for CBT-I. Have you talked to your doctor about this, or looked into CBT-I by any chance?

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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.

[Stevegil]

Thank you so much for your advice Martin.

I am on the English NHS waiting list for CBT, it’s free but unfortunately there is a long wait. I am due for a one-to-one session in November! Such is the demand and shortage of resource.

I really appreciate your emails and your response to my Forum question.

Currently I am trying to sleep without the aid of Zopiclone pills every night, but I find it impossible to go more than three nights without sleep. It’s excruciating.

Thanks again for your dedication.

[Author]

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