[Kimdmiller1]

Hi. I’m new to the 2 week course. I’m currently doing CBT-I with a therapist and using lunesta for severe insomnia. I’m finding CBT-I to be very restrictive and causing me to have even more anxiety. The ACT-I seems like a gentler approach. The lunesta is not working for me. I think my hyperarousal is causing the med to not work. I’m currently tapering. My doctor gave me gabapentin to help with the taper. First night I felt very relaxed, but not sure if I slept. I couldn’t really lift my head from the pillow. I saw the clock every hour, but in between I was definitely in a peaceful state. Why won’t sleep come? Anyone have issues with lunesta? I almost feel like it is making me stay awake. Will be starting the 6 week program after the upcoming holiday.

[Martin Reed]

Hello Kim and welcome to the forum — it’s good to have you here 🙂

Like many others, you’ve tried a CBT-I approach and found it to be harsh and inflexible. It even seemed to create more difficulty. You aren’t alone! A CBT-I approach isn’t for everyone.

ACT-I is a newer approach to insomnia and it’s the focus of my paid six-week course. As you pointed out, it is often described as a gentler, kinder, more flexible — and more workable — way of dealing with insomnia and all the difficult thoughts and feelings that can come with it.

Your experience with medication is not unique or unusual. Many people find medication for sleep to be ineffective. Perhaps your experience is a reminder that sleep seems to be out of your direct control — and so the more you try to (understandably) make a certain amount or type of sleep happen, the more stuck you might feel.

I’m looking forward to having you on the course and seeing you in the client forums after the holiday!

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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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