Forum Replies Created
-
Posts
-
Deb and Steve – Yes, I second Pam1129 and everyone who responds. Thank you for taking the time and for caring. Deb, I thought doing mindfulness in bed was OK or only at the beginning? I don’t do it unless I can’t fall asleep. I’m rereading the book and working with Kat may be my next step. I did actually sleep last night for the first time in I don’t know how long.
Pam1129, Thank you!!! I do have The Sleep Book, for years now. I do agree that having the support is wonderful as insomnia really is tough.
Thank you everyone again.
Steve, just wanted to say you are 100% right that I need to do that with Acceptance, but going with light sleep for very long periods can really be difficult. I really feel like I do accept it though, but deep down I do struggle. I do face those feelings though.
Hi Steve, Yes, thank you. I was just wondering if you all set an approximate time for bed and wake up. It sounds like you do have an 8 hour planned schedule for the most part. Do you recommend an alarm whether you have to get up or not? I am not working, so I don’t have to get up. Also, I tried staying in bed, practicing mindfulness, and just resting all night long, yet my sleep has not improved yet and while I accept it, I’m still hoping for more improvement. I know people combine practices so was just wondering about sleep times. Thank you!!!
Thank you Steve. At this point, I just don’t know where to even begin with helping myself. I have tried ACT, but I am not getting anywhere. Do you have a sleep window or at least a definite walk up time? I have accepted my insomnia and welcome the thoughts, but I still can’t get to sleep.
Deb – I am glad you haven’t had insomnia as long as me and that you are working it through successfully! I have read so much and can’t remember if you are following a sleep window?
Hello everyone,
I’ve been reading through your posts now for a long time and finding a lot of tips and encouragement. I’ve had insomnia for over 30 years! It started in late 20’s and I’m now 51. Mine is severe. I know everyone feels that way, but I struggle very badly with sleep onset and go many, many, many nights without deep sleep. I’m still battling, but I must admit, I have never been very good at sticking or trying anything for very long. So, right now, I’m trying CBT-I again and incorporating ACT principles too. I don’t have any problem thinking “right” about my ability to sleep, and I have mastered all the positive self talk. I’m still working on mindfulness as my mind is super busy 24×7 and it is extremely difficult to quiet. I’m sadly so used to living with insomnia and have accepted it, but I would really like to still get some quality sleep each night. It is amazing that everyone in my family and around me just sleep so effortlessly! I do get upset about that sometimes. I have all the books and know about everything to do as 30+ years living with this, I’ve seen it all. I do find all of your conversations so helpful, and though I do not wish this on anyone, it is comforting to know I’m not alone. Thanks to all who post. I just wanted to say hello and Happy New Year!Hi Paulmac,
I have the EXACT same thing. I went to two neurologists and also a dentist who works with sleep apnea patients. After a sleep study (using Ambien to go to sleep!), they found no apnea, yet the episodes of not breathing were driving me crazy. They all looked at me like they had no idea what I was talking about when I said my tongue was doing something strange and I could not breath upon falling asleep. I researched central sleep apnea and even had a brain MRI which was thankfully normal. I was told central sleep apnea was rare, but I was convinced I had it. I even ended up buying a $3,000 night guard that kept my tongue in place with hopes it would help. It is called an Oasys. I look like a martian when wearing it! Also, I was given benzodiazapines to help calm the nervous system. So after all that, I have actually found or noticed these episodes happen more or are worse during periods of extreme stress or long periods of no sleep. I think it is that flight or flight that kicks in and the not breathing is just one of the manifestations of anxiety and maybe something going on that you have not dealt with. When mine started, I was able to identify that there was something happening in my life that I was afraid of. Just know it will not last. I thought mine would, and I went nuts thinking about it just like thinking about sleep. I worried it would never go away and this was my fate. And why on top of insomnia, would yet something else happen to prevent sleep? So while it still can happen to me, and actually has, I brush it off as a one off and try and think of what stress other than worry over sleeplessness could be causing it. I know how you feel and it is so maddening on top of also dealing with the insomnia. I have so many things that happen that can bother my sleep (restless legs, the breathing thing, snoring sometimes, hot/cold flashes!) so I understand that this has added more complexity. So maybe for you, is there is something going on that you have not thought of that could be making this happen right now? I can tell you that the holidays are just horrible for me. It is the worst time of year for my anxiety and sleep. It should be a happy time, but the amount of things that have to get done just overwhelm me. Just know you aren’t alone and the brain will take over eventually and make it past the breathing episodes. I was surprised when it happened for me.Thank you so much Christine. I’m sorry you are struggling to stay upbeat. It is not easy at all. I will keep you in my prayers and thank you for praying for me. It means a lot!
Thank you Carls. It has been difficult, but I can at least say that I have had good days and still enjoy life as much as possible. It is just a shame I could never really overcome it. The brain is certainly tricky, but I am still hopeful and I never stop looking for tips and finding new or better ways to help myself. Thanks again and have a great weekend.
