I won't bore readers with my long history of insomnia. Just know that I won't take sleeping pills because of the side effects, but I've tried melatonin and every other supplement and suggestion supposedly guaranteed to make a person sleepy. It's impossible to calculate how much money I've wasted.
End the Insomnia Struggle is the only method I've found that addresses the whole person and all the nitty-gritty problems involved in chronically not sleeping. The cognitive behavioral approach is challenging, but then, insomnia is no joke. It's a deeply ingrained habit that we perpetuate through conscious and unconscious thoughts and actions every day. "Habit" is the operative word. In order to successfully tackle insomnia, you may have to alter some longstanding habits that you may not want to change, such as the pleasure you get from staying up really late watching videos in bed because you can't sleep. The authors have created a multi-faceted program that you, and you alone, must commit to and work on with a lot of patience. There's no hurry, because let's face it, you're not sleeping anyway.
The authors have drilled down to the core of the problem, but everybody has their own specific issues. As I've worked with the book, I've come to see why the methodology is what it is. Changing our habits isn't easy, but the concrete suggestions are designed to address every road block you'll encounter. You'll need to look at your sleep hygiene (are your bedroom and your bed comfortable? do you try to make up for lost sleep by sleeping really late on the weekends?). You'll need to examine how you think and feel about sleep. There's a lot of wiggle room and the authors state over and over again that you choose your level of commitment. Do as much or as little as you like, while recognizing that the more you integrate all aspects of the program into your routine, the quicker you'll start sleeping. In order to help you, the book is linked to guided meditations and exercises on the publisher's website, and you can download the forms you'll be filling out to organize your program and track your progress.
One of the biggest improvements I've seen in the six weeks I've been working with this method is in regards to my opinion of myself. I'm much kinder to myself than I used to be. This isn't just airy-fairy stuff. It had A LOT to do with why I wasn't sleeping. I still have good and bad days, and there are still times when I only get four hours of sleep. But sometimes I “miraculously” fall asleep within a half-hour of going to bed and get six or even seven hours. The overall trend is in the right direction, and I've given up the catastrophizing that used to keep me awake the whole night. I've also let go of worrying about when I'm going to be totally cured. Given that I'm 66 years old and have had insomnia since at least the age of 10, that's over half a century of ingrained bad habits to let go of. If it takes six months, it will be well worth it. In fact, it's already been worth it.
If you're looking for a quick fix that ends your insomnia in one day, go to the doctor and get expensive, toxic pills and hope you don't start walking, eating and driving in your sleep. But if you’re willing to do the work, have patience, and incorporate as many of the behavioral and cognitive suggestions as you can, your sleep — and your life — will improve over time.
Enjoy fast, free delivery, exclusive deals, and award-winning movies & TV shows with Prime
Try Prime
and start saving today with fast, free delivery
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club? Learn more
Join or create book clubs
Choose books together
Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now
Frequently bought together
$28.38
Get it as soon as Monday, May 13
In Stock
Total price:
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Choose items to buy together.
Similar items that may deliver to you quickly
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
Top reviews from other countries
Sara
Great book to read to concur sleeping problems
Reviewed in Canada on November 9, 2016
