My Insomnia Is Different
Posted by Sasha on Mar 8, 2012 in Uncategorized | 2 commentsBefore you tell me that you have a special kind of insomnia, that your problem is different, or that your sleep mechanism is broken, stop. At some point, I thought all of these things. It may surprise you to know that pretty much everyone with a chronic problem thinks one or other of these things. It may also surprise you to know that none of them is ever true!
Because insomnia can feel so lonely, and so much like no one understands what you are going through (even doctors), and because sleeping pills and other remedies haven’t helped, it is hardly surprising that you begin to believe that there is something different, something broken, something ‘not quite right’ about you. Just think about it…most people think these thoughts at one point or another. Now, if everyone is thinking their insomnia is different, that is an awful lot of different types of insomnias out there, each one distinct from all the others….
I was convinced
1. My insomnia was worse than anyone else’s
2. My sleep mechanism was broken
3. My insomnia was somehow different
4. My ‘sleep switch’ had got stuck in the wrong position
5. I would never get better
Here’s the truth
1. There were (and still are) millions of people with insomnia just as bad as mine
2. There’s no such thing as a sleep mechanism
3. My insomnia was just the same as any other old insomnia
4. There’s no such thing as a sleep switch
5. I absolutely did get better
"When I read the first chapter of your e-book, I sobbed. It was my story. After reading your sample Chapter 1, I woke up after the typical 3-4 hours
on the Zopiclone, but this time, unlike every other night, I went back to sleep for about 2 hours.... for the first time in ages. And I haven't even started yet! I just feel like someone really understood where I'm coming from.." 
"Its only been a week since I started taking the actions suggested. Its early days yet but I feel very confident that my problems will be a thing of the past. I am so glad I don’t have to resort to sleeping pills or sleep restriction therapy to help me. I immediately realised how my problem started and now I can take the necessary steps to get me back on track. My husband and I thank you.." 
"I am tickled to report that I have not experienced a sleepless night since I read your book and began to practice all your advice. You are a genius. I'm still rather amazed, and I'm sharing my recovery joy with all who know me. .." 
"I just wanted to send a thank you for sharing the cure with the rest of us by writing such a brilliant book. I have been taking a pill every night for the last five years. I stopped four weeks ago on the day I finished your book. I used to have such anxiety at the thought of going to bed and now no longer do. I don’t even think about taking a pill at night anymore and for that I thank you! ."
This is the most encouraging method I have found to date - you are spot on with your description of self-defeating thoughts ( I have all of them!). As a psychologist who should know better, I have developed what could best be termed "chronic transient insomnia" (i.e., 2-3 week periods of horrible nights followed by 3 months or so of good sleep). I have turned to a sleeping pill in the last 2 years during the bad times - while the pill doesn't always work, I haven't noticed much side effects. Last night tried going without the sleeping pill, and the night was horrific. I'm guessing that is pretty normal the 1st few nights, and I remain encouraged to give this a shot. It's the most honest program I've seen out there. Thank you!
Hi Stephen
I'm really glad you are finding the book so helpful.
This sort of reaction to giving up medication is normal and to be expected, I'm afraid. I always recommend that you cut down your dosage slowly. This is not just because of the physical withdrawal effects but more the psychological effect of losing your crutch. You may find it easier to reduce very slowly and to give yourself a big pat on the back every time you manage to sleep with a reduced dosage. It's still in the right direction, after all.
Keep me posted
Sasha