[JohnV]

Hi
I’ve only recently started to experience insomnia in the past 2 weeks. I’ve had about 8 episodes where I’ve struggled to fall asleep. I’ve started using sleep restriction but wondering if it’s too soon to start and whether I should be focusing on going to bed when I start to become sleepy even if it’s before the start of a sleep window?
Thanks!

[Martin Reed]

If you are finding it hard to fall asleep then you might be going to bed before you are sleepy enough for sleep, might be putting pressure on yourself to sleep, might be trying to avoid wakefulness, and/or might be trying to fight or get rid of the thoughts and feelings that might choose to show up at that time.

If insomnia has only just showed up, it’s likely that it will go away all by itself. I think a good way to respond to short-term insomnia is to go to bed when you feel sleepy enough for sleep and to get out of bed in the morning at a reasonably consistent time.

You might want to see if you can avoid making any changes in an attempt to make sleep happen or to chase after sleep since it’s all the effort we put into sleep that provides insomnia with the oxygen it needs to survive.

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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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