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I like your description of how you are feeling right now, “Doing overall ok”! Interesting how while traveling you were able to live a meaningful life and not focus on insomnia.
I have completed the 8 week program and have been taking time off from the Insomnia Coach website. Most nights I did not struggle with nighttime wakefulness. Until a few days ago, the fear and anxiety appeared and felt like I was back at week one. I did recognize that my mind would create situations where I needed to wake up to keep me safe. So now waiting for my sleep drive to grow so I will feel sleepy.
Yes, this is an ongoing process! At least now I have tools from this program to practice. Plus I have support!
Thank you for sharing Sdzagrean!Czor,
Thank you for sharing that the body knows how to sleep! Your journey is so encouraging.
My anxiety about nighttime wakefulness has greatly declined. I really do not know how much sleep I get since I do not look at the time when I wake up at night. My sleep window is 10:30pm to 5am. I focus on how I live my life no matter how I slept that night.
This program is difficult and worth practicing!Czor,
Looks like your dog gets the benefit of your nighttime wakefulness! I love your sense of humor.Luke,
Thank you for sharing your insights! They are very encouraging and resonate with me.
Luke and CZor, I love the community this forum has created. We are many in body and one in mind!
GenieBWhen friends and family ask me how I am sleeping, I ask them to ask me how my day is going. Before insomnia no one asked me how I sleep. When I see a friend I don’t ask them how they are sleeping.
Since they do not understand insomnia, they want to help but it is not helpful. I would rather talk about the meaningful thing I have done.Czor,
I get a pounding chest when I am fatigued. Have you tried being Kind to yourself? I sometimes eat ice cream out of the carton. I love eating ice cream and eating out of the carton feels decadent. I tell myself anyone would feel crappy if they did not sleep well for days.
I also do some guided meditation or yoga nidra that focuses on a body scan. Helps me feel my body and be in the moment even with the uncomfortable feelings and emotions. A hug from a friend or partner…
Sometimes we can get stuck in our difficult thoughts and emotions! I am able to acknowledge them and allow them to be with me. Being kind to myself is often neglected.
As you can tell I am practicing self compassion and kindness.
I know what you are going through!
GenieBThank you for the encouragement Martin!
I have days when I see improvement and then I go 2 steps back and acknowledging there will be nights where I do not sleep.
I try to be kind to myself and tell myself that it is normal to have nights where sleep is difficult. Happens to everyone, not just me. The sleepless night is not a concern but how I manage the day becomes my concern. Some days I am lazy and have a hard time practicing the exercises. Here I go again…negative self talk. Not lazy but so fatigued I only acknowledge how I feel.
The program is a lifesaver but hard work and worth it!Czor,
Exercise is a healthy activity but I do not think it creates sleep. Before working with Martin I was exercising at least 2-3 hours per day. I have a Peloton so it’s easy for me to workout anytime.
A doctor that I saw when I first not being able to sleep told me to physically tire myself. Run up and down hills or steps. I now exercise when I start feeling fatigued, it peps me up.
Your Sunday sounds meaningful and living a life of value.
I am a little nervous since I finished the 8 week program. I find the forum and your posts a comfort so I do not feel alone.
Thank you for your posts!
GenieBHi Czor,
I have had that happen to me. It’s 8pm and I am so sleepy. Watching TV and working not to fall asleep so I decide to take a walk. Then it’s 11pm and I am wide awake. For me, I still have some fear of not being able to sleep so my brain is protecting me because it is the beginning of my sleep window. 8pm is not my sleep window so I do not want to sleep yet and my brain does not need to protect me.
I don’t know if this makes any sense. I just thank my brain for protecting me.
You are not alone.
GenieBHi Fady,
I also wake up around the same time. I do not know what time that is since I do not look at the clock. It is maybe 1-2 hours before the end of my sleep window which is 5am. I get a little anxious because I want to see what time it is. I usually end up getting out of bed to read. The alarm usually goes off when I am in another room reading.
I even had nights when I think my alarm is going off. I wake up and it has not.
I am thinking of doing an experiment and not set an alarm for the end of my sleep window and see what happens.
You are not alone in the mystery of why we can wake up at the same time.genieB
Sdzagrean,
Thank you for sharing your journey! Your experience is inspirational. You have faith in the process and are brave to return to the program. You have proven that this works!
I will remember that I can surrender since I cannot control sleep.
During the day I still have anxiety and fear that I won’t sleep and practice NOW.
Sometimes the wisdom to surrender is a sign of bravery.
You are brave! I am brave! We are brave!
GenieBHi Frosty,
I also feel as if I do not get a deep sleep. Last night I felt like I did not get any sleep but did since the time in bed went fairly quickly. I had short dreams that felt like thoughts. I did AWAKE focusing on being kind to myself. Next thing I know my alarm for the end of my sleep window (5am) goes off.
Got out of bed tired and fatigued but not anxious. I have the choice to make the day the workable and do what I need to even when feeling fatigued.
I do not have a remedy since I am going through the same thing right now. I will keep practicing making my life as meaningful as possible. It will take me longer than the 6 week program.
Let’s not be defeated!
GenieBNoelK,
I too am on a bumpy rode. I think I may have had the expectation that by week 6 I would not have insomnia. Like you my night time anxiety is at a low level, which gives me motivation to keep practicing. For me I probably need more practice and patience because we can not control sleep, our emotions and thoughts.
The program is working since when my anxiety shows up I can acknowledge and accept it.
Let’s keep on practicing and move forward. I find that I am receiving inconspicuous benefit like living my life with meaning and value!
GenieBrdw2,
I also found hugging myself and telling myself I am fine and loved has helped me be kind to myself. The hug and stroking myself is comforting. I also get connected with my body and in the moment!
Hugs,
GenieBSdzagrean,
You are not alone. I also tend to be negative with myself. This program has helped me to be kinder with myself. I think of myself as a good friend and what I would say to them to encourage and support them. I even give myself a hug and tell myself I am doing a good job!
Good luck! You are learning so much already.
GenieB
