[mmaringer27]

The doctor gave me a dose of steroids, and it had a bad reaction for me. I was awake for a whole day, and then very broken sleep for a week. It gave me very bad anxiety.

So, ever since I’ve had sleep anxiety. I feel myself self-monitoring if I’m falling asleep yet, or overthinking how to fall asleep. I will sit and try to think about how I fell asleep prior nights, and really over think the feelings I’m feeling.. if I’m close to sleep or not.

I began following Martin on YouTube, and have found his advice helpful. I’ve been so worried that if I don’t sleep, I’ll go psychotic or into a psychosis. That furthers the insomnia. It helped me to know that people who struggle with sleeping are not in danger, and that our bodies know how to sleep.

I have began giving my husband my phone at night, so I’m not constantly checking the time. I’ve also started to continue to live my life instead of obsessing.

I have a history of OCD, and treated it with ERP therapy & CBT therapy. It makes it easier, bc I do have practice with dealing with intrusive thoughts.

I’m still struggling with how to stop self monitoring.

Thank you Martin!

[Martin Reed]

Hello @mmaringer27 and welcome to the forum!

First, allow me to reassure you that there’s no evidence that chronic insomnia causes psychosis or any other health issue for that matter.

As for the self-monitoring, that’s something the brain usually does as it goes about its job of looking out for us. If we try to fight that, we’re likely to end up struggling — has that been your experience?

If so, an alternative approach that involves allowing the mind to self-monitor might help reduce your level of struggle. Self-monitoring doesn’t stop sleep from happening, but trying to control the mind sure can make things more difficult!

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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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