[sleep]

I remember Martin saying you will have bad nights just like you have bad days. Well last night was one of them. I have been sleeping good since April, My sleep hours are 12 until 6. I did something last night I never remember doing, I fell asleep on the couch around 10 pm and woke up about 2:30 am and then could not get back to sleep!

The good thing is I did fall asleep, took no meds. I just accidentally fell asleep. I did get a few good hours of sleep. I dont feel the best today but will continue on, on my way to the gym now. Hopefully my sleep will come back soon. I think I cut that light off last night when I was on the couch, wont do that again. I just laid in the bed from 3 until 6 trying to relax. I get nervous and have to run to the bathroom constantly. If I get up it is only worse for me. I guess I am afraid it will stay this way, I have to quit worrying about sleep. Sleep will come when it wants to, I have no control.

[sleep]

I remember Chee saying just do nothing, hours 12 until 6 am. This helped a lot.

[Chee2308]

Hello there.

I am honored that you still remember my advice. Remember that anytime you slept without aids is actually a good sign that your body keeps telling you. It can sleep. It always can. And will continue to sleep on its own. There is no need to worry about this ability.

Also, whenever you think you should extend your sleep window, please feel free to do it. Don’t always feel you must keep to a set of strict sleep rules just to sleep. Don’t try so hard to sleep or protect it. It should be effortless and stress-free. Like breathing and eating. You automatically know how to do it without needing to follow any set rules.

Be open to explore lying in bed if you can’t sleep either. If you used to do that before insomnia, there should be no problem doing it now. Very often, you will find you can fall asleep without much effort. Show yourself that there’s no problem. No stressful event. It’s just a bed. And sleep. Sleeping shouldn’t be frightful. While it is appreciated if it happens, it shouldn’t be hated if it doesn’t either.

Remember you expect to sleep for the rest of your life. So it is not logical to spend your whole life hating every moment of it. Learn to appreciate it and not be too judgmental of it. It may mean you need to stop being petty with your own body and be more kind and accommodating to it. Good luck to you and I hope you find your peaceful rest soon.

[believer123]

I had almost the exact same thing happen to me last night! I fell asleep on the couch around 10:30 and woke up at 3 and couldn’t get back to sleep after. I just sort bounced between the couch and bed letting my body rest. The good news is it’s my 9th day sleeping w/o medication. And for me to have those 4.4-5 hours is a solid win, I’m just used to get a littttlle bit more. My sleep window is supposed to be 12:00-5:30 but it feels very rigid and my body wants to fall asleep around 10:30/11 most nights so I usually let it and wake up around 4:30/5. I’m grateful for the hours my body is getting on my own and plan on living my day as usual. Am I little bummed? Yes. But heading to the gym soon anyway and I don’t feel too bad. There are ups and downs and that’s okay 🙂 plus it’s still an up to be falling asleep at all w/o meds after a taper! It will be ok!

[Martin Reed]

Hello @sleep! Your experience has reminded you that you can sleep without medication and that sleep doesn’t require any effort or technique (it happened “accidentally”)!

You are continuing to reduce the power and influence sleep has over your life by committing to actions that matter, independently of sleep. That also helps train your brain that wakefulness isn’t a threat it needs to be alert to “protect” you from.

I don’t know if it’s possible to directly and permanently stop worrying — but you can certainly control how you respond to worry (and that might be what matters most).

—

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.

[sleep]

yes believer there are ups and downs just like life does to us, you understand. Martin telling me to do what matters. Well I did, I have been on vacation and had a wonderful time. I was worried about sleeping but it was not a problem. I did enjoy myself and did a lot of activities and when I went to bed I was exhausted. I went swimming and hiking and got into the hot tub at night and later went to bed and slept so so good. I guess I did not have time to worry I was having so much fun! I slept 6 hours a couple of nights and one night I slept 9 hours so I know sleep is possible.

[Pam1129]

Ohhh these comments give me such hope! I mentioned in an earlier forum …that today is rough!!
So I am sitting here reading all these comments to keep me inspired and motivated , I have always been a pretty positive person , whom, even with this insomnia that I’ve had for soooo mannny years , I never totally gave up ‘doing things’ I enjoy. I did however get into some ‘funky’ days /weeks of depression… and would mope around a bit feeling sorry for myself, but that just hurt me and my poor hubby!! I cannot wait till I can share ‘my story’ of all the sleep I’m getting 😁
I love reading all these success stories… your helpful insights really truly are what keeps me going … gonna practicing NOW , now haha

[Author]

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