I just treat it like any other health problem that needs to be managed. I learn about it, look for support, take medication, and use alternative methods, to help treat it just like I would any other medical condition. I also view it as a condition that could go into remission and conversely out of remission, so I'm making note of triggers, irritating stimuli, etc..
By thinking of it as a health problem to be managed, I can avoid thinking of it as a personal defect or fault, and work on it objectively.

I'm not sure that helps...

I ditto...sonny....its situational and it goes away...and returns (unfortunately)....I had a very weird experience the other day...

I had been missing my Dad....he's 74...and worries about me....so because he worries about me...I worry about ME affecting his health...

I hadn't seen him in 6 or more months and he lives a mile away.

I went to see him....the other day...I slept that night BETTER than I have in a YEAR...when I woke up in the middle of the night to pee...my eyes were SO HEAVY....I haven't experienced that kind of heavy sleep in a LONG time....

I didn't realize that subconsciously the stress of missing and needing to help my Dad...was affecting my sleep.

So...since there are so many other things I am worried about...its probably why I have insomnia...when they pass....maybe it will pass

Oh I am just use to it. I just deal best I can. I am exhausted a lot.

Missy, I think you are right, when we resolve issues or stressors in our lives, we can resolve insomnia. I think it is awesome that you got a great night's sleep after seeing your dad!

I also think there are times when Insomnia is a medical issue, perhaps just related to chemical makeup in the body.

Right now I have no idea why I started having trouble sleeping...I'm hoping to pin point it.

Brooks, I suspect part the problem is you allowing it to "eat at me all the time". You have the power within you right now to control those negative thoughts, which actually may be worse than the insomnia itself!

The key to making this better is to identify and treat the true root cause, which is not sleep -- or the lack thereof. Sleep is only the symptom.

Stay with your counseling, and I suspec t you will be helped greatly by learning the cognitive restructuring methods used in CBT sleep training methods. Using these tools, you learn to let go of those negative sleep thoughts, and replace them with better, more positive, and more realistic thoughts about sleep.

It will get better. Keep posting.

Hypnos,

What are some of the more realistic thoughts about sleep?

I think I have the positive part down in that I can let go of a bad night so it doesn't interfere with the next night, but I'm curious about what you mean by realistic thoughts.

Thanks,
Sonny : )

Hi Sonny,

By more realistic I mean -- for one -- that your mind-body's requirement for sleep is far more powerful than your insomnia. That by letting go, instead of fighting it, your mind-body will get exactly what it needs.

Another -- even if you have a rough night, you probably will perform just fine the next day. It may not feel that way, but studies have consistently shown insomniacs adjust and perform comparably both physically and mentally to good sleepers.

A third -- you probably already are sleeping quite a bit more than you think you are. This is known as sleep state misperception.

Sleep is really a process of letting go. By allowing yourself to do that, sleep will come. It gets better and better. By learning to turn down the negative sleep thoughts, you cut off the raw fuel for insomnia and sleep tends to improve.

This is a cornerstone of CBT sleep training, and that's what I used to help my sleep. Still use those techniques today. Works for me. And many others.

Very interesting about the sleep state misperception.
Thanks for the information!
Much appreciated,
: )

The more you let it bother you, the worse your problem is going to get. I speak from experience.

Here is my tip: get into meditation. Not necessarily the spiritual "hocus pocus" kind, just sitting somewhere, eyes closed, and trying not to think. When you do think, just let it pass by and don't get upset.

This is a great technique when trying to fall asleep also, and to stop the "racing thoughts"-syndrome.