[Nadya_t]

Post Covid Insomnia
Few months ago I found this forum and posted about my sleeping disorder. It was unexpected panic attack in the night, when I had a high blood pressure and strange heart pounding. Since that day I struggle with insomnia. I read almost every post in this forum. Some posts are so related to my case. I wish all to have good night sleep all the time.

Lately I’m trying to prolong the hours of my wakefulness. I’m trying not to think about it. Trying to enjoy the night – when everybody in the family sleeps and only me toss and turn in the bed. I listen to music, various meditations, religious chants, books, calming stories, affirmations – basically I’m tired of all of them. I’ve listened so many things which I’ve never listened if I didn’t have this problem. I can’t switch the light on as I don’t want to disturb other family members.
One great problem is – my mind keeps thinking that if it switches off then my heart will stop beating or I might not breath. I tried to persuade it many ways but it’s so stubborn. Sometimes, because of I’m so tired I start dreaming or thinking nonsense – only on that time I guess I sleep. Other times I’m fully aware of my thoughts. What are the other ways of finding out whether I’m sleeping or not? My eyes are very tired with at least 3 months of sleeplessness. Sometimes I think at least half an our sleep per night could be enough for me.

There is another problem, too. At work I have a crush. I love him so much. I can’t tell him because he has a girlfriend. I became so addicted with him in last few years. Could it be possible that my feelings that I’m keeping within and not sharing or doing anything to stop may accumulate and cause this insomnia? Should I quit my job? I don’t know if this is related to this or after covid neurologic state? At least I know exactly when did it start.

Today I had very stressful night. I cried a lot. Wanted to share this post.
I would have done anything to sleep for few hours.

[Martin Reed]

It sounds as though you are (quite understandably!) putting a lot of effort into sleep — even though you mention that you are trying not to think about it, you mentioned that you have read almost every post in this forum, you have tried listening to music, tried various meditations, religious chants, books, calming stories, and affirmations.

With this in mind, you might find it helpful to shift your attention away from sleep — instead of spending your days researching and thinking about sleep, for example, you might fill your days with activities you enjoy and that improve the quality of your life.

Instead of putting effort into sleep, you might abandon all effort to sleep and simply consider the process of going to bed as a time for you to get cozy and relax rather than trying to make yourself sleep.

If you are concerned that falling asleep will stop your heart or stop you from breathing, it might be helpful to recall how many times that has happened up to this point. I am assuming it has never happened — so what makes you think that it might? How accurate or likely is that belief?

It can be hard to determine if/when we are asleep because we are asleep when sleep happens! Trying to determine when we are asleep is something else that can increase arousal and make sleep more difficult — so that could be another behavior that might be worth abandoning!

Ultimately, chronic insomnia is fuelled by thoughts and behaviors that weaken sleep drive, disrupt the body clock, and increase arousal — and tackling these thoughts and behaviors using cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) techniques can be really helpful!

I hope this helps!

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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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