[Clairerachel]

Insomnia has been part of my life since I was a child, but i’m in the midst of a 3 month+ flare up which has me in a really bad place. I’ve been learning a lot from Martin’s podcasts and just came across the free course which I signed up to today. But my question is, how do I not let this control my day when I am so physically and emotionally spent? I have to drive an hour on the motorway for work – which today after falling asleep gone 4am I didn’t feel safe doing, so had to call in sick (no public transport option either). Even if I had driven in, I work in counselling and feel my professional skills are so impeded by the brain fog and heightened emotions – it’s very hard to be a calming presence and listen to others’ pain in this state! I really want to be changing my thinking around sleep, I know I need to, but I’m not sure how to overcome these particular obstacles to doing my days as normal. Any thoughts?

[jespestana]

Hey Claire. Just my 2 cents, move dinner 4h before going to bed and avoid alcohol at dinner (zero alcohol). For me, this improves sleep quality a lot, even if I do not sleep as much in duration.

Also, I think that you are totally right in changing your thought process around sleep. Stay strong :-)!

[Martin Reed]

If you don’t think that driving would be safe, it’s important not to drive.

People with chronic insomnia rarely fall asleep without warning during the day — they’re typically “tired but wired” during the day rather than excessively sleepy. That’s why we don’t usually hear of people with chronic insomnia falling asleep behind the wheel during the day.

As you mentioned, it’s definitely harder to do things that matter when we are dealing with insomnia. What’s the alternative? The only possible alternative is to avoid doing things that matter, right?

In your experience, does that usually make things better? Do you feel as though that’s a workable approach? Only you know the answer to that since you are the expert on you!

We don’t need to change our thoughts (I am not sure that’s even possible) but sometimes changing our actions (something we can always control) is a more useful strategy!

I hope there’s something useful here.

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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.

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