How Wayne improved his sleep by thinking of sleep as a friend that doesn’t need to be controlled (#36)

Insomnia Coach® Podcast

Wayne's battle with insomnia began during his board exam preparations when he tried to adjust his sleep schedule to wake up earlier. Unfortunately, this caused difficulty in falling asleep and led to sleep-related anxiety, making his nights stressful. To combat this, Wayne tried implementing sleep hygiene rituals and experimenting with sleep supplements, but these actions perpetuated his insomnia. Wayne learned that sleep is a natural process that does not respond well to effort. He began going to bed later and making space for difficult thoughts and emotions instead of trying to fight them. He also reminded himself that sleep will always happen in the end. Although this process took time, Wayne now thinks of sleep as a friend, and no longer puts any pressure or effort into it. As a result, he sleeps well and is living the life he wants to live. Watch/listen to this episode