[Cally]

I'm a 24 year old school teacher who is about to start her 3rd year of teaching and 2nd year at my current school. The school is special measures and despite my best efforts I'm still considered to be 'inadequate'. The senior leaders have put staff under a lot of pressure and the work load is mammoth. I struggled with minor insomnia around 18 months ago but that was quite brief and because I enjoyed my job I merely couldn't sleep because I let my mind over think and I would get stressed. Now, I find it a battle to get to sleep and the thought of going to bed makes me nervous. I haven't gone to the doctors over this because I don't think my anxiety and insomnia is serious enough, I just need comfort and advice. Generally, I struggle to fall asleep, it can take many frustrating and upsetting hours. I admit, I do have bad habits as I watch TV in bed and mess on my phone, but I'm trying to cut that out. I can settle sometimes and fall asleep, but I wake up after 30 minutes. I start to stress and worry and get myself even more worked up. No matter how positive I try to stay, I still can't push out the general nerves and anxiety of work. I am looking for a new job, but teaching positions are becoming increasingly hard to come by.

My anxiety has recently been heightened by my partner being away 2 nights a week for his new job. I actually can't bare to be away from him, it's like I have some sort of problem with being detached from him and I'm relying on him immensely. No matter how bad work is, I can always look forward to seeing him. I know it's only 2 nights, but I'm already a mess tonight, despite my best efforts to distract myself. Since it got dark, I've stressed more and more. It's weird because I get so worked up when in bed that any slight movement from him can make it worse, it's as if I become more sensitive to movement. Him actually being away might help me sleep! He also likes to have the telly on because it helps him sleep. I used to be like that, but since I struggled to sleep I need a dark and quiet room with no stimulants.

I hope I haven't rambled too much and bored you all to death 😉 I want to use this forum to find people like me and something to make me feel better about life in general. It's pretty hard to feel good right now.

Cally.

[Martin Reed]

Welcome to Insomnia Land, Cally. At the very least, now you've found us you get to know that you aren't suffering alone. You have the support of all of us.

It sounds as though you've pinpointed the cause of your insomnia (stress/anxiety) and know of at least one or two bad habits that aren't helping you sleep (get the TV and phone out of your bedroom)!

Have you tried relaxation techniques such as meditation? Some basic Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques may also be helpful (like getting out of bed if you don't fall asleep after 30 minutes).

Take a look around and feel free to get involved in any relevant discussions. I look forward to reading more of your posts and getting to know you better.

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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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