Insomnia Forum Posting

Posted by Scott M on April 18, 2002 at 06:28:17:

In Reply to: Chronically fatigued posted by Ellie on April 17, 2002 at 17:49:47:

Hi Ellie,

I can relate to your chronic fatigue. My sleep is also light and some nights,i have many awakenings.
I have adopted a srategy that doesn't allow me to compare my progress with someone elses. I'm not in a race with anyone else on this sleep forum. I try to practice good sleep hygiene,s-r, and maintain a positive attitude on a daily basis. I keep a daily sleep journal to monitor my progress,feelings,thoughts,attitudes,behavior and positive actions. The sleep diary helps me to look at behaviors that promote sleep as well as destroy sleep. For example: If i lie down on the sofa and watch tv all evening, there is a good chance that i wll dose off and as a result, ruin my sleep for that night. The living room is such a strong cue for dozing off and falling asleep, that i have recently made the decision, to stay out of there. Luckily,i own my own house and there are other rooms that i can spend time in.
I have also eliminated taking my daily naps. What i'm trying to point out, is that my keeping a daily sleep journal, you should be able to determine which areas in your life that you need to change and as a result your sleep and well-being should improve.

I think it is very important to keep busy with meaningful activities and not to dwell on your insomnia(light sleep). By moving and taking action,you create energy which in turn creates more energy and as a result you begin to live a more fullfilling life. I know that sounds very simplistic but based on my experiences, it works. The bottom line is that you have the power within yourself to change how you think,feel, and behave. Don't allow light sleep to take away this freedom. As Scott Peck once said " Sooner or later, if we are to be healed, we must learn that the entirety of one's adult life is a series of personal choices,decisions. If we can't accept this we will forever feel ourselves victims.

I don't mean to lecture you on the resposibility of taking action and maintaining a positive attitude because i'm in the same boat as you. It's easy for me to get on the pity potty and feel like a victim. Why me? I need to challenge myself and to try new things that will improve my life. I know that your insomnia has been brutal and worse than mine over the years but i believe that both of us can overcome our sleep difficulties and that deep sleep will return to us. Be patient, be good to yourself, and never lose the faith. God Bless.

Follow Ups:

• Re: Chronically fatigued Paul 07:48 4/18/02 (1)
  • Re: Chronically fatigued Scott M 08:35 4/18/02 (0)

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