[MPerea]

My insomnia appears to be quite sporadic, and possibly related to my cycle (I believe I am in perimenopause). I had one ititiating (horrible) event with insomnia about 8 months ago. I was put on medication (which I don’t love) which has helped. I weaned off the medication, and thought I was cured. Then about three months ago I encountered the insomnia again (thankfully only lasting about 2-3 days). I went back on the medication. About a month later I encountered insomnia again (even on the medication). Thank goodness it was at this point that I found this site and podcasts (thank you). To summarize; First time – 8 months ago (last 8 days), Second time – 4 months later (last 2-3 days) , Third time – 1 month ago (Lasting 2-3 days).

My question is, of course when I’m in the midst of insomnia I am powerless over the loss of my sleep, and I am highly motivated to practice all of these amazing strategies I have learned here. How do I maintain that motivation when I am not feeling the effects of insomnia, and life feels “normal and wonderful”, so that I am prepared to face those dark days again?

[Martin Reed]

As you have experienced, difficult nights come with being a human being — sometimes they can show up quite predictably and other times they seem to show up (and even stick around for a while) for no obvious reason.

What can fuel these difficult nights is how we respond to them. Quite often, when we respond by trying to get rid of them, by trying to make sleep happen, by trying to fight or avoid any of the difficult thoughts and feelings that come with them, we can end up struggling even more — and that, in turn, gives them more oxygen, more power, and more influence.

Before we know it, sleep and insomnia can become the focus of our lives, seem to control our actions and our feelings, and we get pulled further away from the life we want to live the more we try to get things back on track.

Your question is an interesting one. If you don’t feel motivated to practice the strategies you’ve been learning about when things are going well, perhaps it’s not important enough for you to practice them at that time — and there’s nothing wrong with that!

At the same time, when you are sleeping just fine and you are living the life you want to live, maybe there’s no need to practice or do anything different at all?

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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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