[Dansleeping]

Hello!

I have been through periods of insomnia before but have been struggling recently to overcome this most recent bout. It started 2 months ago over some sleep related anxiety (fear of being unable to fall asleep) that popped up kind of out of nowhere. After an initial tough period that lasted a few days, it improved to probably 4-5 nights a week of solid sleep. I went on vacation last week which threw me way off and the last week or so has been bad.

My issue really is just falling off to sleep. Once I’m down I’m typically out. I have some habits that I think the experts would frown upon. I have relied upon reading (via my phone) or TV to get me to my tipping point for as long as I can remember and I know it works for me, as it always has. Nevertheless when I feel myself ready and I am in my sleep position, the negative thoughts commence. This is kind of my new normal but was generally uncommon when I was sleeping well and I’m finding to be a tough cycle to break.

I have been surviving though but have decided as a result of this (and other things that have surfaced during the last few months) to seek help. I have met a psychologist that I’ll start talking with next week. A family member suggested a support group which I thought would be beneficial. I guess I am looking for some positive reinforcement and some tips to shift my thought process away from sleep anxiety to what it used to be. I don’t know how to get there. I suppose getting off my phone for the night and giving sleep a try is a good start, but I’ve already tried once unsuccessfully.

Thank you all.

Dan

[Martin Reed]

Welcome to the forum, Dan. What you are going through isn’t unusual. It sounds as though you’re experiencing a lot of difficult thoughts and feelings — and they sure don’t feel good!

As a result, we all have a natural desire to fight or avoid them. Unfortunately, we just can’t control our thoughts and feelings — not over the long term, at least.

The more we try, the more we get tangled up in a struggle. It’s not really thoughts that make sleep more difficult — it’s all our attempts to fight or avoid them.

I wonder if it might be helpful to make a bit of space for those difficult thoughts and feelings to exist instead? To allow them to hang out for as long as they wish? To give them permission to come and go as they please?

If nothing else, you will get to drop the struggle and that, in itself, might take a huge weight off your shoulders!

—

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.

[Author]

Posts