Insomnia Forum Posting

Posted by Lynne on January 08, 2002 at 00:12:38:

In Reply to: Re: No relief posted by Ellie on January 07, 2002 at 05:50:49:

Ellie, I understand you completely because I went through exactly the same thought processes. I used to think 'how is it POSSIBLE that despite this total exhaustion I cannot sleep?' and it made me so frustrated and agitated, which, of course, just made things worse (or rather, continue as they were).

Here is a good example of how much progress I have made (and you will make, too):over the Christmas holiday (I had a lovely 10-day break) I stayed at home; at first I slept really well (for me) and I felt so good - calm and relaxed, everything you want to feel. However, then I entered my pre-menstrual phase, which is always a big pain, in all senses. A couple of days before New Year's Eve I started sleeping very little again. I therefore decided that on NY Eve it was not a good idea to stay up until midnight. So I went to bed just slightly after my usual time - at 11.30 p.m. - but was woken shortly after midnight by nearby fireworks, after which I got no more sleep for the rest of the night! That'll teach me! In fact, I think part of the reason was because I had been thinking about my problem too much, e.g. 'Will I sleep tonight?' 'Shall I stay up until midnight?', etc. etc. Of course, the following day the old sense of exhaustion/anxiety/fear was back and it was not too easy to get under control. However, I started to do self-hypnosis again (I had stopped doing it as I was doing so well) and positive affirmations. It took another couple of nights and the start of my period to get 'better' but now I am back on track again and sleeping well again (whereas previously, one bad night was enough to set me off on a never-ending cycle of total insomnia). This shows me that my psyche has definitely made progress and it gives me confidence, because if I can get over the insomnia once I can do it again and it won't rule/ruin my life as it did before. I will not let it. I now have the knowledge and the tools to get over it. This is what I tell myself and it does appear to work. I have read that it does help to write down the positive affirmations (I think Gregg Jacobs says that too), so that's what I do when I'm in a bad patch. I also say them in my head.

I hope this information will give you hope, courage and confidence. Remember, when you practice relaxation, don't do it as a means to an end, i.e. to sleep, but just tell yourself that you are doing it to become a more relaxed person. Another tip I found useful was not to do these exercises too close to bedtime, as then your mind relates them to sleep and it makes you more anxious. The best thing is to try to do them during the day, and then maybe go for a walk in the evening. Gradually, you will become calmer and more relaxed, which, in turn, will lead to sleep, but you really must try not to think of the sleep aspect too much, as it is counter-productive. Just think of it (i.e. the relaxation/positive affirmations) as something you need in order to acquire serenity and peace of mind and something as essential as eating or breathing.

Best of luck, and let me know how it goes, but give it time and don't be frustrated. Take care,

L.

Follow Ups:

• Re: No relief Ellie 19:53 1/08/02 (1)
  • Re: No relief Sleepy Aussie Girl 22:00 1/08/02 (0)

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