I can completely relate to the fear of going insane. After more than a week of insomnia and flirtation with various herbal and pharmaceutical remedies, I grabbed the book, the Relaxation Response off the shelf and turned to insomnia. I'd love to find and kiss the author for these seven clear and simple steps that helped me get the first unassisted sleep I'd had in days. 1) stay in bed 2) close your eyes, 3) get comfortable, stretch, etc. Then relax your body one part at a time from the toes up. 4) Become aware of your breathing. For a time, breathe naturally in and out and on the exhale say a focus word such as "peace" or something related to a faith tradition 5) Stop saying your focus word and pay attention to your breathing, your abdomen rising up and down. 6) Direct your attention to your body from the toes up and check in to how each part feels 7) maintain a passive attitude. If thoughts intrude, say "oh well," and let them go. If you feel yourself wanting to give up and worrying because you haven't fallen asleep, start the process again.
What helped me is that he offered firm reassurance that if you tried this, you would eventually fall asleep.
Halfway through my second repetition of the process, guess what, I fell asleep. And then last night with the feeling that I had a new tool that would work, I woke briefly then went right back to sleep. It broke the cycle.
Wishing you sound sleep soon.
Kelly
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
Posts
Re: insomnia and perimenopause
