[Brian Pacheco]

I’ll keep this short. Last year, I was such a good sleeper for the most part. But on July 3, 2018 I went to take a nap and felt this overwhelming sense of dread. I freaked out! Pacing back and forth, feeling like something bad was happening and like I was having a mental breakdown. Since that day, I developed insomnia–the biggest issue is feeling dread and the need to get up immediately because of it when I try to sleep. So much so, I avoid going to sleep eventhough I am tired. The good news is that my history shows me this changes. Eventually, I was able to fall asleep again and feel calm about it– But it’s recently come back!

It was triggered by sleep paralysis– and the fear to fall asleep came back. it’s disruptive that two nights this week I had 0 hours of sleep. And then I get that fear feeling in my chest when I think about sleep. my body is so tired–but my mind won’t let me relax.

Anyone else deal with this? or has? Any tips on what helped/helps? For me, it feels like closing my eyes and just when I am about to fall into sleep, my body produces the flight response and I have to get up immediately and I feel so panicked. I know logically nothing is wrong, but my mind won’t follow!

[oxygendavid]

I exprienced this about 4 years ago and over come it with time…

The last 2 weeks i have exprienced it again… when i get into bed and think of falling asleep i get the fear of dread about being unconsious or not in control or that i will have knightmares. its turned into a phobia i think. And this fuels my insomnia.

Does anyone else exprience this when in bed?

I am wondering if cbt-i would help in this situation ?

[aquarius740]

what do you fear about being unconscious/not in control or having nightmares?

[Martin Reed]

Hello Brian! Conditioned arousal/anxiety is very common among people with insomnia. Repeated negative experiences night after night have (understandably) led to you associating sleep, bed, and maybe even the evenings with negative emotions such as fear, worry, and anxiety.

The good news is that, since this association was learned (you didn’t always associate sleep with such negative emotions) you can, once again, “re-learn” that sleep and the bed can be relaxing and enjoyable.

In addition, since what you have experienced and described is so common among people with insomnia, and the overwhelming majority of people with insomnia enjoy significant improvements if they implement cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) techniques, there is no reason to believe that you cannot get your sleep back on track.

Indeed, you know from experience that you can improve your sleep since you have managed to do this in the past.

Since you are a client, I would suggest that you contact me directly with any specific concerns or worries you have as we work together. That way, I will be able to respond to you significantly faster, and we can discuss things on a more personal level.

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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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