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My first bout of insomnia was 8 years ago when I was going through a stressful time. I was diagnosed with GAD and put on Ambien and Lexapro. Lexapro helped tremendously and after about 1- 1/2 months I was able to stop ambien. However, since then when I deal with stressful periods the first thing I do is fear my insomnia will show up again, which of course makes it show up again. I just started seeing a CBT-I doctor who said that insomnia can be traumatic for people. How I get over the trauma and not allow myself to worry about it taking over my life?
Hello goose, and welcome to the forum. I’m glad to hear you are receiving CBT-I for your insomnia. This treatment will teach you how to reduce the fear you have towards sleep (and insomnia). You will learn techniques that will change the way you think about sleep to help reduce your worry and fear and you will learn specific behaviors that will improve sleep in order to reduce these worries and fears.
Please keep us updated on how you are getting on with the CBT-I. What have you learned so far and what techniques have you implemented so far?
—If you are ready to stop struggling with insomnia you can enroll in the online insomnia coaching course right now! If you would prefer ongoing phone or video coaching calls as part of a powerful three month program that will help you reclaim your life from insomnia, consider applying for the Insomnia Mastery program.
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.
Thank you! I’ve only been to one session so far but my doc talked about getting up and doing something relaxing if I’m not asleep within 30 minutes or so. I have a book and some Sudoku puzzles ready to go. I’m optimistic about the treatment and I really appreciate that my doc used the word “traumatic”. When insomnia happens I feel like I’m losing control of everything, and I fear those periods immensely. My most recent insomnia spell came after my husband started having insomnia for the first time in his life, and boy did that throw my sleep into chaos.
Just wanted to update to say I’ve done a couple of nights “stimulus control” therapy, meaning I get up if I can’t fall asleep in my usual time. Right now I find it making me more nervous. I also have (with docs. OK) reduced my Ambien dose from 10mg to 7.5. I did ok for a couple of days but now its stressing me out. Maybe I’m putting a lot of pressure on myself. It also may have been some PMS too. Sorry if its TMI but I have found that PMS has made for pretty crappy nights.
If you are nervous or worried about any aspect, you should talk to your CBT-I practitioner. They should have a toolbox of techniques that can use to help you recognize that stimulus control is nothing to be nervous about and is far better than the alternative of staying in bed, tossing and turning, and perpetuating your insomnia problem. Stick with it, and you will get results!
—If you are ready to stop struggling with insomnia you can enroll in the online insomnia coaching course right now! If you would prefer ongoing phone or video coaching calls as part of a powerful three month program that will help you reclaim your life from insomnia, consider applying for the Insomnia Mastery program.
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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