Crazy insomnia

I've had pretty significant insomnia since my TMS started. I am very fortunate that over time i have slowly improved my horrible and mood, although i still struggle with anxiety and urinary frequency. I recently found out i am expecting. At first I was upset. My TMS started right after a procedures from a miscarriage. Now I really want it. I realize with a significant history of second trimester miscarriages and my age, odds are this won't work out and I think that is taking the insomnia out of control. This is something beyond my control, so I am telling myself worry is pointless and to focus on other things. No such luck. Any advice on how to chill the heck out and sleep? The you tube hypnosis recordings ain't cutting it anymore. Thanks.

 

Hi, she333. You are probably having trouble getting to sleep because you're worried about a miscarriage.

I suggest you try meditation. I especially like (and fall to sleep fast) with the Relaxation Response.

Meditation is a time-honored way of relaxing the mind and relieving anxiety, mental stress, headaches, and even physical pain. There are many ways to practice meditation, but many consider the most successful to be a technique called the Relaxation Response (RR).

It is a wonderful way to practice TMS Mindbody Healing because it changes harmful thinking in the subconscious mind which Dr. John Sarno says causes pain that is not caused by anything structural.

The RR, practiced once twice a day for 10, 15, or 20 minutes has a profound positive effect on the subconscious mind, relieving or curing everything from anxiety, hypertension, headaches, fatigue, nervousness, dizziness, high blood pressure, insomnia, stomach problems, all forms of pain including backaches, abdominal pain, muscle pain, neck, arm, and leg pain, and relieves side affects from cancer and AIDS.

RR is like Transcendental Meditation which is taught by TM specialists who charge hundreds or thousands of dollars. But the RR is free and you can do it yourself.

It is practiced, before a meal, and works best if not practiced within two hours after a meal. I do it in bed before arising in the morning and again in bed before falling sleep. Often, I only do it 5 or 10 minutes and it works to calm me and put me to sleep.

Just sit in a chair (or lie in bed in the morning or at bedtime), close your eyes, don’t listen to any music, and try to avoid outside noises. Let your mind think of a word such as "One " which has no real meaning or association. Or say a calming word such as “Calm” or “Peace,” or add the faith or spiritual element by saying a favorite religious word or prayer. Breathe naturally or incorporate Deep Breathing by breathing in through the mouth to inflate the stomach, suck in the stomach while holding the breath for a few seconds, then say the word when you exhale through the mouth.

Say the word silently over and over. At the end of the 10 to 20 minutes, picture and feel yourself as you were when you felt your best, and in a place where you felt that way.

When distracting thoughts arise during the RR, as they will, just tell yourself, “Oh, well,” and go back to repeating your chosen word.

There are several free videos on Youtube about the Relaxation Response. I especially recommend these two by Dr. Benson:

 

If you put "insomnia" in the search box at the top right of the page, you will find many threads where this TMS equivalent is discussed. Hopefully, you will find some helpful advice there.

 

Thanks for sharing the videos Walt! I've been doing great. However, I recently started to relapse with anxiety, insomnia and some light depression. I am going to try to Relaxation Response. Thanks for sharing!

 

Hi, AC45. I'm glad that the Sarno videos are helping you. I like the Relaxation Response very much because it drives out racing "monkey mind" thoughts.

Happy Holidays!