Insomnia Forum Posting

Posted by Lynne on February 18, 2002 at 00:20:21:

In Reply to: Thanks & message for Rita posted by Nell on February 16, 2002 at 11:40:15:

Hi Nell,

Sorry I couldn't reply earlier, in your momenet of need, but I've only just read your message (I don't log on at weekends). What you (and your husband) said is so true - it really is counter-productive to struggle and fight this thing. I found that myself. When you are exhausted, it's very difficult to do anything other than feel desperate and scared, but unfortunately fear just feeds the insomnia and makes it worse. So somehow, you just have to hang on in there and use positive affirmations as often as possible, say to yourself: 'it's just a phase, it'll pass'. All recovering insomniacs (myself included) go through phases of sometimes bad insomnia, but that does not mean they're not getting better. You have to look at things over the long term and say to yourself that you are retraining your mind and that it takes time. In my experience, self-hypnosis can be useful, i.e. taking a few deep abdominal breaths to get yourself into a relaxed state, tell yourself 'I am deeply relaxed' and recite in your head three or four positive phrases, over and over again, slowly and in a relaxed manner, with your eyes closed (prepare them beforehand). You can tell yourself things such as 'I have no fear or anxiety', 'I am strong and confident', 'I am happy and serene', 'my sleep is getting better and better' (however, the latter phrase is best not used in the late afternoon or evening - sometimes it's best not to use sleep-related phrases at all, as it might just feed your obsession). Do this for 15-20 minutes every day. There are no 'miracle' effects, but gradually you become more positive and relaxed and less anxious (in my experience), which can only have a good effect on your sleep. Remember, don't put sleep at the centre of everything. Work on combating your fear and anxiety, as that is the main thing. Once you have conquered that, sleep will come naturally. Even if you don't sleep as much as you would like, who cares? Be grateful for what you get and try to get the most out of life nevertheless. Remember to get some exercise in the fresh air every day, no matter how bad you feel, try to keep up very regular habits and develop a comforting routine.

You'll see Nell, you will get better, you ARE getting better. I think it's great that your husband is such an understanding person (like mine). As somebody said on this forum once before, it's a good idea to reflect on love, feel your heart full of love - for your husband, your family, your friends, everyone. This helps to counteract all the usual negative feelings and obsessive thoughts.

Anyway, I hope things are going a little better by the time you read this message. Best wishes to you, and to Rita, too (Rita, there is so much useful info on this website - plenty of excellent advice which you will not get from most doctors, so do read as many of the posts as you can, especially those by myself, Beth, Cassidy, Hope Master, Susan, leological and Jack on earlier forums - sorry if I've forgotten any others).
Take care,

L.

Follow Ups:

• To Lynne Nell 13:30 2/18/02 (6)
  • Re: To Lynne Janie 20:45 2/18/02 (5)
    • Re: To Lynne Lynne 23:50 2/18/02 (0)
    • Re: To Janie Nell 23:22 2/18/02 (3)
      • Re: To Janie Janie 17:43 2/19/02 (2)
        • Re: To Janie Nell 23:51 2/20/02 (1)
          • Re: To Janie Janie 05:46 2/21/02 (0)

---