[Trish]

Hi my name is Trish & I live in Australia. Several months ago I had a couple of nights where I was thinking and worrying about the problems my 2 adult children were going through & I had trouble going to sleep. This then seemed to spiral out of control even though my kids problems were mostly resolved. I experienced difficulty going to sleep taking anywhere up to 5 hours and then waking every 90 minutes with difficulty going back to sleep. I developed anxiety and an obsession with sleep. I am trying sleep restriction after researching and finding Martin Reeds technique (thank you Martin for all your You Tubes). At the moment it is going ok but as soon as I have one bad night and still can’t go to sleep after the restriction (2am) my anxiety spikes again, I start catastrophizing and think that this technique isn’t going to work for me even though it has proven successful for so many. Have other people had similar thoughts when they have started using this technique even though after perseverance, found it worked well? I need some hope and reassurance I think.
Thanks so much,
Trish

[Elle]

Hi Trish-I’m dragging my feet too with same wonder- I am at my wits end and may give it a try. I find the sleep restriction part hard and boring cause (I live alone) I end up dozing or head bobbing way before my “time” and when this happens I lose the sense of relaxing cause I kno I’ll have a hard time when going to bed hrs later. I’ve been using melatonin and an occasional drug prescribed by my doctor- nothing helps. I’m in the midst of finding out a diagnosis and waiting causes more anxiety n endless worry. My nights are an actual hell. I try to remain calm and aloof about it but doesn’t always work. If, physically I felt well- or somewhat better-n get any results I feel that’s half my issue. (There’s few things going on that add to this nonsense) I love to sleep but my mind doesn’t allow me too. Martin is an amazing man who responds to emails and is very thorough and patient- I’m probably going to sign up cause my life has been hell without sleep. (On average, I’m lucky if I sleep 4 hrs as an average- I’ve gone days on empty ?)
Wish you well.

[Trish]

Hi Elle, so nice to hear from you. Haha…..I know what you mean about the head bobbing! I’m perservering with the sleep restriction but my results are sometimes good & sometimes not so good.? I’ve recently spoken to someone here in Australia who completed this technique over a year ago & swears by it. He has given me a lot of hope especially when he’s told me that it has given him his life back. He told me to be patient & that my sleep will eventually recover. He had all the doubts & ups & downs like me but with perseverance it worked. I think that the whole anxiety thing is the key to this.
I’m so sorry that there could be a potential diagnosis for you. Waiting for that sort of thing is extremely anxiety provoking which never helps with getting a good sleep. I hope you get a good result. ? I love to sleep too…..it’s like a rest from life & when it doesn’t happen, it is hell. Sounds like I’m getting a similar amount of sleep to you. ? I think it would be a great idea for you to sign up. I’ve just recently been speaking to a sleep psychologist here in Aus so I am initially going to see where that takes me. Martin is wonderful & I’m seriously thinking of signing up depending on what happens with the Aus psychologist.
Keep me posted Elle on how you go with everything. And all the best from me for a very happy & pleasing outcome for you.
Cheers. Trish

[Martin Reed]

The more difficult nights can definitely be a challenge — but let me ask you this:

Do you expect every day to be better than (or just as good as) the last? If not, why place such importance on experiencing a night that must always be better than (or just as good as) the last?

It’s great to know that you are working on implementing techniques that are proven to be effective — good on you for getting started, for moving forward, and thank you for sharing your challenges with us!

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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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