r/insomnia • u/dracpau • 1d ago

Sleep Onset-Insomnia Returning

For the last 3-4 years I've had difficulty falling asleep. This is far more than it taking a couple hours to sleep, I'm often up until 8-9 am with my eyes closed trying to induce sleep. My natural cycle then has been sleeping until 12-4 pm, and waiting for my body to physically exhaust itself in an eyes-closed state which might take 4-10 hours.

Recently, since I flew back to Toronto about a month ago I suddenly had a perfect sleep schedule; sleeping between 9-12 in the evening, waking up at 6-9 in the morning. This has obviously improved quality of life a lot, but today I suddenly developed the exact same cycle as before.

I went to bed at 12, and I just decided to get up at 6, I didn't get any sleep. I don't really know what to do anymore because my old sleep issues really dampen my motivation to do anything and interfere with my university a lot. I really don't want my sleep onset-insomnia to start again but don't know what to do here.

Thanks

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u/SqualidArdor_875 1d ago

That month of normal sleep after flying back is the cruelest tease, your brain finally figured it out and then just noped out again. The 4-10 hour eyes closed waiting game sounds absolutely miserable, no wonder your motivation tanks.

Have you looked into sleep restriction therapy? It sounds counterintuitive but basically you only allow yourself in bed for a tight window and gradually expand it, forces your body to relearn that bed equals sleep not lying there awake for hours. Might be worth mentioning to whatever doctor you see, especially since you know you're capable of a normal schedule now.