[Celine]

I’m feeling emotionally floored by the day ahead, and it’s not started yet. I’ve had no sleep at all last night. Nothing. Over the last 5 weeks, insomnia has been back with a vengeance but I never had less than 2/3h a night, which is already horrible.
How am I going to go through the day? I’ve got a 4 years old and an 11 month old.
My husband is at home but working. I desperately want to ask him to take a day off but know I’ll only get resistance, and a massive guilt trip. He’s fed up with my insomnia, doesn’t get it after all these years and can’t help.
I want to ask for an anxiety tranquilliser to my GP, as anxiety is the root of my insomnia.
I’ve got to go through the day somehow, with almost no hope of a nap or even laying down in peace 10 minutes.
I wished I was childless so I could stay in bed, read and maybe manage 3 hours this morning. I’m also thinking about how long it’s going to take to recover.
I hate feeling like this and the effects on my children…

[Martin Reed]

Hello Celine and welcome to the forum.

First, let me reassure you that you can get through the day even after a night of no sleep whatsoever. The body has an amazing ability to compensate for difficult nights and get us through the day.

One thing you can do to reduce the negative impact of the previous night on your day is to try to pursue some daytime activities that you find somewhat enjoyable. This will give your mind the opportunity to focus on something other than thinking/worrying about sleep and improve the overall quality of your day. It might also help you recognize that you can experience some positive (or at least some “OK” moments) even after a night of no sleep. This, in turn, can reduce arousal and help improve sleep.

Furthermore, since you had a night of no sleep, sleep drive is going to be very high — and this means that as long as you don’t do anything to reduce this sleep drive (for example by napping or going to bed earlier) then sleep becomes more likely on subsequent nights because sleep drive ALWAYS wins in the end.

Have you looked into cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) as a long-term solution for your insomnia? Since CBT-I addresses the thoughts and behaviors that perpetuate insomnia, you will likely find it very helpful. Furthermore, CBT-I is recommended as the first-line treatment for chronic insomnia since it addresses the root cause of chronic insomnia (our sleep-related thoughts and behaviors) — something that no pill can do.

I hope this helps.

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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.

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