[Bruce H]

I decided to give up smoking last November after 50 years. I did very well the first week or so. I was very relaxed with it and in good spirits. The out of nowhere insomnia hit. I never had sleep issues like this before. I went to a doctor and all they did was prescribe Zanax. I was hesitant to use it because it can be addicting. I’m curious if anyone else has experienced this and what they have been able to do about it.

[Martin Reed]

Congratulations on being smoke free, Bruce! What an accomplishment!

What might have happened here is there was some sleep disruption associated with quitting smoking after 50 years — and that’s probably to be expected! Then, in response to that sleep disruption you understandably tried to fix it.

When those attempts didn’t work, you tried harder but found that the more you tried, the more difficult it all became — and that is normal because, with sleep, the more effort we put into it, the more difficult it often becomes.

This is the way insomnia typically develops. There’s a trigger (sometimes memorable and sometimes not) and the insomnia is then kept alive by all our attempts to get rid of it — even after the initial trigger is no longer present or relevant.

Does anything here resonate with your own experience? Is your approach to sleep different now, compared to a year or so ago? Are there any insights there?

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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.

[Bruce H]

Thank you Martin.
Well I have to confess that I’m not totally smoke free just yet, though I never had a full relapse. Due to the struggle of overcoming the nicotine addiction and just the basic habit, plus the sudden onset of the insomnia, I tried to come up with a way that seems to work for me. I tried nicotine replacement lozenges and to be honest I think they actually made things worse. Then there are too many problems that seem to come with prescription meds for smoking cessation. I know a few people that tried them. I’ve even heard that quitting cold turkey can actually be a bit dangerous.

I decided to try an idea of my own. I still light up here and there but I don’t inhale the smoke. I puff and blow it out. I also don’t smoke the entire cigarette. I still get the taste and go through the motions which is part of the addiction, but I’m not getting the smoke into my lungs. I guess there is still the chance I absorb some nicotine, but nowhere nearly as much, and no smoke going into my lungs. I know this may sound weak to some and the chance of falling off the wagon is still there, but so far I think it’s working. It has cut my cravings by probably 80%. I will get to the point soon where I don’t crave them at all and will be done with them completely. I expect this to be in the next couple of months.

[Martin Reed]

Sounds like you’ve got a clear plan in place that’s working for you, Bruce! And, that’s all that really matters!

—

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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