[stanh]

Hi this is my first post, and thank you for forum membership.
I guess like many millions [billions?] people, I am experiencing insomnia during the Covid pandemic.
I am a 60+ year old male and am retired. I live with my wife. I would say I am in good health physically and mentally, and walk a lot each day, as well as some gentle exercises. I have been known to have bouts of anxiety, but rare.
My insomnia sees me awakening around 3 am, approx. 3 hrs. after falling asleep, which usually happens quite quickly.
I have tried all the online advice about keeping calm, breathing techniques, no alcohol in the evening, no napping in the day etc. These things do help, but I have not seen a full nights sleep for several months.
This insomnia started when my country was locked down during pandemic, leaving me to assume it is some sort of anxiety thing? I have had very little experience of insomnia in my life, and when younger used to wonder if I slept too many hours!
Any advice, tips etc would be most welcome! Many thanks.

[Martin Reed]

It sounds as though you’ve tried all the standard run-of-the-mill tips that — unfortunately — don’t usually work very well, stanh!

Have you looked into cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) techniques? They are often more helpful for addressing sleep disruption that has been present for longer than a few months since they tackle the sleep-related thoughts and behaviors that perpetuate sleep disruption.

I think it can also be helpful to recognize that it’s normal for sleep to be disrupted at times like this! Here’s a short video I recorded that you might find relevant and helpful: What to do when stress, worry, and uncertainty lead to sleep disruption and insomnia.

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[Author]

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