[Catherine]

This is the first time I’ve tried a forum for this problem. I don’t talk about it to friends as it sounds like moaning and people don’t understand how difficult it is so I thought it might help me to read other’s experiences and air mine. I’ve suffered from insomnia for over twenty years on and off but it is worse now. I have tried CBT and many things including breathing techniques, diet changes etc etc. I also take a small dose of an antidepressant but it still goes on. I feel afraid because it feels so unhealthy to be awake all night and tired all day. It effects my memory and emotions. I have heard so many times that it will shorten my life, this only makes it worse.
Is there anyone out there who has similar feelings and who shares this problem?

[SueE]

Well you’ve come to the right place. Have you listened to Martin’s video clips yet? So much good advice on them and he ends each one with the words ‘YOU CAN SLEEP’. There are also lots of podcasts of success stories, and some of those people have suffered longer than 20 years! He also does a free 2-week email course you can try before you commit to the 8-week tailored course. Here are some things I’ve learned recently which may help you:

• Tiredness/fatigue are not the same as sleepiness and you need to be sleepy to sleep – sounds obvious but you need to know the difference.
• You are not doing untold damage to your body by not sleeping – there is no scientific evidence of damage from long term sleepless nights.
• Your body will take the bare minimum of sleep it needs without any input from you – Just trust it to do so, as you trust your body to heal wounds.
• Leading on from the last comment, chronic insomnia is not the same as sleep deprivation, as with the latter you are not giving your body the chance to take the sleep it needs.
• Be careful not to turn sleep hygiene techniques into rituals which you can’t go to bed without doing, as changes in routine might mean you are unable to carry them out.
• Get on with your life as best you can the following day, so that you are not giving insomnia power over you. (You will be amazed how much you can achieve in life whilst having insomnia)
• Treat every night as a new start, forgetting past bedtime struggles.
• Finally, YOU ARE NOT ALONE!

Hope this helps a bit and good luck!

[Catherine]

Thank you so much for tasking the time to write to me. Your comments and advice are really useful and apreciated. I shall do as you sugest. Thank you again.

[SueE]

You’re most welcome. Hope it helps others too!

[Martin Reed]

How are you getting on, Catherine? What does your current approach look like?

Thank you for your kind and supportive words, SueE — it’s wonderful to have you here offering your support and sharing your thoughts with others.

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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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