[Insomniac1313]

I developed insomnia after the birth of my first baby. My circadian rhythms were really altered with breastfeeding and I became unsure to sleep more than 4 hrs in 24 hrs. I’ve never been able to nap which is an added challenge. Now it’s been 5 months and I am at my breaking point. My heart starts racing and I get a pit in my stomach when it starts to get dark. My body launches into fight or flight mode and nothing seems to help- not breathing exercises, getting out of bed, or medications. How do I get rid of this anxiety?? I try to tell myself I will be ok if I don’t sleep but that hasn’t worked either.

[Scott]

It’s completely normal to experience what you’re going through. When confronted with anxious thoughts, our instinct is often to resist or avoid them because they make us uncomfortable. However, the efforts to evade these thoughts typically intensify them, making them more frequent and negatively affecting our sleep. Rather than attributing poor sleep solely to anxious thoughts, it might be more accurate to recognize that our constant struggle against them plays a significant role.

Considering that we can’t control the arrival or frequency of these thoughts, have you ever thought about creating space for them to exist without giving them the attention they crave? Perhaps allowing them to be present without engaging in the tug of war might alleviate the challenges you’re facing with your thoughts.

If another “what if” thought about sleep arises, have you considered adopting a different approach? Instead of getting entangled in the thought, try acknowledging it with a statement like, “I’m having the thought that I won’t sleep well tonight.” After acknowledging it, promptly return to the activity you were engaged in, whether it’s watching TV, reading, or something else. This approach won’t necessarily make the thought disappear – and that’s not the goal – but it can establish a buffer between you and the thought, potentially easing the struggle you’re experiencing.

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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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