She stopped trying to sleep — here’s what happened
Ready to get your life back from insomnia? Learn more about my sleep coaching programs at https://insomniacoach.com
Amber is a nurse, a mom, and someone who’s used to solving problems.
So when sleep started falling apart, she did what she’d always done — researched more, tightened her routine, tried relaxing harder, tried to do everything “right.”
The more effort she put in, the worse it felt. Nights became lonely. Days started shrinking. Life started revolving around whether she slept or not.
In this conversation, Amber shares what changed when she stopped organizing her life around sleep and started changing how she responded to being awake — easing the pressure, loosening the rules, and returning to what mattered most.
If you’ve ever felt like insomnia is calling the shots, you’ll probably recognize yourself in this one.
Chapters:
00:00:00 Opening highlight montage
00:00:32 Amber’s story introduction
00:02:13 Podcast disclaimer
00:02:51 Discussion begins with Amber
00:03:11 Sleep issues after second baby
00:05:02 Panic night triggers insomnia
00:05:54 Past stress usually resolved sleep
00:07:26 Trying to fix sleep
00:09:21 Medication and Ambien experience
00:10:55 Medication relief and pressure discussion
00:11:39 Getting out of bed experiment
00:13:13 Intention behind night behaviors
00:14:46 Like and subscribe message
00:15:09 Flexibility over rigid rules
00:15:49 Miserable nights and isolation
00:16:59 Daytime impact on work and family
00:18:45 “Insomnia became the boss”
00:20:04 Discovering Martin’s work online
00:21:54 Letting anxiety happen
00:22:57 What acceptance looks like practically
00:24:18 Dropping self-criticism
00:25:48 Anxiety as brain protection
00:27:20 NICU alarm analogy
00:29:02 Choosing responses over control
00:29:46 Forcing sleep at deeper levels
00:30:51 Acceptance isn’t liking it
00:32:49 Childhood “let it come” story
00:34:11 Control what you can control
00:35:40 Meditation with new intent
00:36:36 Practicing anxiety without struggle
00:38:20 Applying this approach to sleep
00:39:26 Living values despite poor sleep
00:41:14 Less resistance improves conditions
00:42:00 Fear of sleepless nights fades
00:42:29 Progress feels messy and non-linear
00:44:46 Learning through practice and setbacks
00:46:10 Setbacks as opportunities to practice
00:48:05 What nights look like now
00:49:55 Changes in daily life and confidence
00:51:45 Advice for others with insomnia
00:54:19 Patience, kindness, and control focus
00:54:46 Guest thanks and wrap-up
00:55:02 Coaching invitation and closing message
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My name is Martin Reed and I am the founder of Insomnia Coach®. I offer sleep coaching programs that will help you stop struggling with sleep so you can get your life back from insomnia. I also offer a free two-week sleep training course for insomnia at https://insomniacoach.com/sleep-training/?ref=youtube020426
You can also find me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myinsomniacoach/
All content found on the Insomnia Coach YouTube channel is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It is not medical advice and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, disorder, or medical condition. It should never replace any advice given to you by your physician or any other licensed healthcare provider. Insomnia Coach LLC offers coaching services only and does not provide therapy, counseling, medical advice, or medical treatment. The statements and opinions expressed by guests are their own and are not necessarily endorsed by Insomnia Coach LLC. All content is provided “as is” and without warranties, either express or implied.
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