[SleepyS]

I worry so much about sleep during the day, that a possible good day can be destroyed by my worry-thoughts.

[hiker]

Hi SleepyS, sorry to hear you are having such a tough time with “worry-thoughts,” another good description of the sleep anxiety all of us on this forum have fallen into. At least most of us, including me.

If you haven’t checked out Martin’s emails and posts on sleep anxiety, please do so. If you have, I am guessing that thoughts are intruding and telling you it is no use, you are stuck for good. Scary thoughts, to be sure. But just thoughts.

When I first heard that phrase “just thoughts,” it struck me as dismissive and simplistic. But I learned through mindfulness and this forum that we are not our thoughts, and our thoughts do not own us.

Example: I did not sleep well night before last. Last night, I had the thought that ‘oh my God, this could be the start of going back to where I used to be–exhausted so many days, no way out,’ etc. The key is I had the thought, and that’s it. Big difference between “I’m having the thought that I am doomed,” and “I am doomed.” Instead of living the thought as if there is nothing else, I can watch if drift by, like a branch floating by on the river.

There is no easy, permanent fix, problems over for good. But I think you will find things get better. Take care.

[Martin Reed]

The mind is always going to generate thoughts and emotions. Some will feel good, some will not feel good. However, we always have the ability to choose how we react.

We can react in one of two ways — we can respond by giving up, doing nothing, and moving away from the kind of life we want to live. Or, we can acknowledge and accept these difficult thoughts, make some space for them, and then do things that help us move toward the kind of life we want to live.

There’s no doubt that difficult thoughts and emotions are challenging and make things more difficult. We can’t pretend otherwise. However, we can still do things that can help us live a life that’s aligned with our values, even in their presence. If we can do this repeatedly, then difficult thoughts and emotions might start to hold less power and influence over 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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