[juliab]

Over the past 2+ months, I’ve been struggling with sleep, and largely dependent on Ambien to help me fall asleep. I probably get 4-5 hours a night. I’m usually able to function throughout the day, but I often get very tired in the afternoon. Earlier this week, I had a few great nights of sleep after practicing CBTi for a few days. But over the past 3 nights, I’ve once again started struggling and feeling anxious at night. It felt like I turned a corner, but now am back at square one. I feel like I’m doing everything I’m supposed to, but each night gets harder. It’s becoming difficult to stay positive and stay confident that these practices will work.

How long did it take most of you to start seeing results from CBTi? And did you have rebound insomnia in the beginning?

Also, does anyone know if you can take ambien while doing CBTi techniques?

[mistered]

I feel like I was only doing better because I’m totally refraining from ambien. Even last night when I had trouble falling asleep I refrained from using it. I plan on only taking it under very unusual circumstances – an event the next day where sleep is absolutely necessary (like a work presentation).

[Martin Reed]

Welcome to the forum, Julia! Your experience is not unusual.

Let me ask you this: if you remove sleep from the equation completely, when you have a difficult day do you consider yourself to be back to square one with your life? Or, do you only consider that might be the case when you have a difficult night?

If there’s a difference between how you respond to a difficult day and a difficult night, perhaps there might be an insight to be discovered there?

In terms of practicing CBT-I, what are you currently doing? Oh, and how are you currently responding to that anxiety when it shows up?

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[Author]

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