[Mona352]

Does anyone have a generalized anxiety disorder and your sleep is caused by rumination of thoughts and fear of sleeplessness? I worry about whether I’ll sleep and how long I’ll sleep. I get anxiety or panic attacks prior to bedtime. I was told by a therapist that mindful meditation is beneficial for this. Sometimes I sweat and feel like I can’t breathe.

[Martin Reed]

Hello Mona and welcome to the forum. I have yet to come across someone with chronic insomnia who doesn’t experience rumination of thoughts and sleep-related fear and worry. This is completely common and when it occurs just prior to bedtime, it’s usually an indicator of conditioned arousal.

In other words, because you have experienced so many nights of struggle, you have learned to associate bedtime with unpleasantness — so when it’s time for bed, your body starts to worry about the upcoming night and this can lead to symptoms similar to the sensations we associate with the body’s “fight or flight” response.

The good news is, you can address this conditioned arousal by implementing cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) techniques. You aren’t alone, and you do not need to live with your insomnia or sleep-related worries.

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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.

[Jess84]

Hello I have panic disorder and yes my recent insomnia has definitely been caused by rumination of thoughts so you’re not alone there,if you don’t mind I’d like to know what you’ve been experiencing.

[Jonathan618]

Mona, I also have GAD and insomnia sometimes. My fix is tell myself over and over that when I lay down my head that I am just resting. this way there is no anxiety about am I going to sleep because that is not what I am after. Most times after a Few, “I am just resting leave me alone”, I fall asleep. It does take some practice.

[Author]

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