[BBS]

I have a question for the group. I’ve only been in the program a week. I’m free program and have been following it faithfully. I have really been consistent about sleep restriction. 10/11pm/630am sharp). I go to bed when I’m sleepy but never before 10 o’clock. I have been frustrated because sometimes I’ll make myself stay up to 11 and at 10 o’clock I could’ve easily and happily dozed off on the couch. I’ve read that others also can fall asleep in other places versus their own bed. My problem is getting to sleep. I will feel heavy sleepiness, and as soon as I head towards the bedroom, fear and anxiety overtake me. I look at my bed as a monster with teeth. I get in and try to have a peaceful mind, but all the thoughts about not being able to be rested in my bed come watching over me like a giant wave. Even the onset of evening can make me feel this way. I understand trying to make peace with wakefulness, but these are long, lonely nights. And if I’m honest, the thought of reading in bed or getting out of my bed and embracing the wakefulness, just doesn’t sound like some thing I want to do – it sounds like another miserable option. I would love to get the groups comments and help.

[Martin Reed]

It sounds as though you might have learned to associate your bed with a lot of struggle — one way to undo that might be to practice moving away from struggle when in bed.

Unfortunately, we can’t really control what goes on in our minds. There’s no way to permanently delete fear and anxiety out to make ourselves feel relaxed and rested on command. The more we try to control our thoughts and feelings, the more we get tangled up in a struggle and that can make things more difficult, just as you described.

If you don’t want to read in bed or get out of bed, what’s a more workable option?

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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.

[BBS]

Hmmm…I have found watching TV in the bed has in the past helped me doze off because I do like the comfort of my bed and may prefer to relax channel surfing there instead of the act of getting up. But it seems that staying in bed once awake, watching TV in bed, or watching TV at all during wakefulness has been somewhat discouraged? I’m not fighting any suggestions and will do whatever seems most effective even if it’s hard for me. I don’t want to do the wrong things.

[Lynn M]

What has helped me get out of bed is that I’ve reached the point of being so desperate that I’m willing to do whatever it takes. People are saying they start getting some results in a short period of time. I figure I can do it for a couple of wks if I have to, maybe more. I’m sick of having the anxiety and getting more awake as I get closer to the bed, like you said! It’s awful!! I’m ready to follow the instructions and get relief!

[BBS]

There are too many success stories and I feel confident that if we stick to the techniques and suffer through the rough patches, we can get better like the others. I keep reassuring myself by relating it to diet and exercise. Many weeks maybe even months of hard work and pain will pass before results are seen. Or look at it as the necessary pain needed before you can hold the beautiful baby 😊

[hiker]

Hi BBS, Just as others have responded to your post, I think it is helpful to check out other posts, especially those where Martin et al have responded. You might find the comments repetitive, but actually that is part of the drill. Some things you just have to hear or do over and over, and then get reminded.

This is especially so when it comes to setbacks, relapses, whatever you want to call it. It can be easy to slide into thinking, ‘oh no, I had this down, I was doing fine, what’s wrong with me, etc.’

Or another mindset is ‘ I am reading success stories, but I can’t seem to get anywhere, what’s wrong with me, I am stuck forever in this, etc.’

In both cases, it’s the insomnia talking. I just had to get reminded again this week.

[BBS]

Thank you. I’m fine with repetition. I’ve printed out Martin’s emails and read them over and over again. I think it’s probably a good way to retrain the brain.

[Author]

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