[Vergilius]

Hello everyone,

I’m going through sleep restriction, though sadly only discovered Martin as a coach after beginning a course with an inferior one. It’s working well for me, nonetheless, and I’m seeing good progress getting my nights back on track: I’m not a longtime insomniac, but have only had the condition since September after a trip to the US and a period of general stress.

One thing is really bothering me, though: most days, usually late in the afternoon, I start to feel “nervous”. It’s not full-blown anxiety, but a general feeling of unease that comes and goes through my evenings – though it tends to be worst as daylight fades (and often disappears entirely when I get really sleepy later). It’s probably connected to sleep (and maybe fatigue?), but not 100% directly as sleep doesn’t dominate my thoughts even when it’s there.

I’m wondering if anyone else has experienced something similar and whether this might fade in time on it’s own?

I function mostly normally, but it’s just more difficult to enjoy my evenings and spend time with my wife and kids with this breathing down my neck.

[Martin Reed]

That nervousness is your brain doing its job and looking out for you. As you mentioned, nervousness can feel unpleasant and is can be distracting and make it harder to do things that matter. What can make it even more unpleasant and distracting is engaging in a battle with it — trying to fight or avoid it.

If you’re still finding this difficult, you might want to try a new approach where you acknowledge the nervousness, perhaps even thank your brain for looking out for you(!), and then refocus your attention on where you are, what you are doing, and what you could be doing that helps you continue to be the person you want to be and live the life you want to live.

The goal isn’t to get rid of it (there’s no delete button for the brain) but to reduce the influence it might have over you. To practice responding to this natural feeling in a more workable way.

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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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