Overcoming My Struggle with Sleepless Nights

Occasional insomnia can feel like a cruel trick. I generally sleep well, but when insomnia strikes, it hits me hard. It's incredibly frustrating. Sometimes I had trouble falling asleep, and other times I woke up in the middle of the night, unable to drift off again. Does this sound familiar?

My mind would spin with thoughts of all kinds. I might wonder what to make for breakfast, or I would worry about my daughter’s well-being. These thoughts piled up, and I'd just stare at the ceiling for hours. Sleep music and audiobooks offered little relief but most of the time I woke up tired, upset, and just thinking about how I didn't sleep enough.

A Life-Changing Discovery

Desperate for a solution, I began searching for answers. One day, while browsing the shelves of Stanford Bookstore, I stumbled upon Thich Nhat Hanh's "How to Relax.”

This book offered me a perspective that transformed my approach to sleep. Thich Nhat Hanh shared an insight that true rest is possible even when you're awake. Even if sleep eludes you, you can still find deep rest simply by focusing on your breath. That was a new idea, a glimmer of hope.

The next time I woke up at night, I tried his breathing technique. Instead of worrying, I focused on breathing in and out. It actually worked! My thoughts calmed down, and I fell back asleep.

Sometimes I still couldn't sleep. But I started waking up feeling better. I realized he was right: my body and mind could rest even without sleeping.

Embracing a New Perspective

This realization changed my nights. Instead of fighting insomnia, I welcomed those moments of wakefulness as a chance to rest in a different way. When I found myself awake at two or three in the morning, I stopped panicking. I remembered to focus on my breath, let my body relax, and trust that I would restore my energy whether I slept or not.

I understand that everyone's sleep journey is unique, but the power of breathwork is universal. By releasing the resistance against insomnia, I discovered that sleep often arrives more naturally.

A Peaceful Path Forward

Now, I see sleepless nights in a new light. I no longer view them as failures. Instead, they are opportunities to practice gentle mindfulness. Ironically, by worrying less about whether I fall asleep, I often find rest more easily.

If you find yourself lying awake, your mind racing with worries about the day ahead, try this simple practice: take a deep breath in, and let it out. Notice how your chest and belly rise and fall. Even if sleep doesn't come immediately, you may be surprised by the restorative power of this mindful rest.

In the end, letting go of the fight was the secret to finding a sense of calm and true rest.

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