[RandomName47]

For the past 3 years I have not had the sleepy feeling. I try to sleep during my sleep window and often it randomly happens but it’s like a light switch. Have any of you managed to regain this ability? It would be so nice to be able to stay up until I get this feeling and then fall asleep effortlessly.

[Martin Reed]

Sleep can happen whether we feel sleepy or not — we just need to be awake for long enough for sleep to happen.

Most of us feel sleepy when we’ve been awake for long enough but if we have a lot of experience of struggling with sleep, heightened arousal can suppress sleepiness cues. That doesn’t mean they aren’t present, just that we might not notice them as easily.

This is a survival mechanism — the brain doesn’t want us to fall asleep if it thinks we are in danger (and, when it comes to insomnia, the brain can believe that being awake at night is a danger since we are often trying so hard to fight or avoid it).

Sometimes committing to a sleep window can help with this.

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.

[Author]

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