[jp60PA]

I’m 63 and in Late august my son who is a 3rd year cadet at West Point suddenly became very ill. I flew out to help him and ended up seeing him admitted to hospital and transferred to Walter Reed in DC. He was diagnosed with U Colitis and finally made it home in mid Sept . My wife and i have gone through a very traumatic time of anxiety , fear and depression , and I spent days and weeks in be crying and worrying. I never had a sleep issue at all, could just go to bed and sleep anytime under any circumstances. Now since then i have developed inability to fall asleep. Have tried all the hygiene and rituals, all the pills and supplements. After finding Martins sight on youtube I have realized the underlying issue is that i have programed my brain to associate my bed with anxiety and worry. I realize I MUST do the CBTi and am working to start it. I currently take ambien 10 to fall asleep and it does help, but i know i must stop asap . Any thoughts or advise are appreciated.

[Martin Reed]

What a traumatic experience — I am sorry you went through that and I am not surprised it generated so many truly difficult (and completely valid and understandable) feelings.

In such circumstances, I would be more surprised if you were sleeping well!

It sounds as though your experience is telling you that putting more effort into sleep (for example by adding more rules and rituals, pills, supplements) isn’t proving to be effective.

So, what might a potentially more effective approach involve? If you reflect on how you approached sleep before this awful experience — when it wasn’t an issue or a concern, is there a difference between then and now? If so, are there any insights there?

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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.

[Author]

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