I meet so many people who have been struggling through a problem and have found themselves feeling lost and hopeless. I have decided to share a series of stories from my clients (with their permission of course) with the aim of putting positive information out into the world and inspiring hope for anyone having difficulties.
Sarah’s sleep problem in brief:
+ 18 months of sleeping separately from partner
+ Struggles with sleep since childhood
+ Expecting not to sleep
+ Anxious about going to bed, stressful dreams and waking with a start
+ Assessment + 3 treatment sessions
In her words…
Describe how things were for you just before you started sessions (e.g., how long the problem had been going on for, how much sleep you were getting, how you were feeling).
Over the previous 18 months my partner and I had taken to sleeping in separate beds because I struggled to sleep with the sound of him snoring – not that it was even very loud. I investigated a whole range of strategies to solve the problem from chin straps and nasal strips, meditation apps, sleep music, ear plugs and medication. We even visited the GP to ask for help. Nothing worked, not even a little bit. I was convinced there was something wrong with me and thought maybe it was my age and I got to the point where even the thought of sharing the bed would make me feel stressed. We kept going not really acknowledging the impact it was having on our relationship. The situation finally came to a head when our daughter was coming home from university and we needed the spare room back. I had started to think about sleep therapy but was sceptical about it working and therefore worried about the cost. However, we didn’t have much choice we were desperate.
Describe how things are for you now since ending your therapy sessions. What has changed?
I had 3 or 4 sessions in total and noticed a difference almost immediately. My partner and I are now back in the same bed and much happier for it and I get a far better quality of sleep than I have for many years. I realise now that I didn’t have to jus accept chronic tiredness and it has nothing to do with my age. My partner and I are both really happy and relieved with the outcome
If you could go back and give yourself a piece of advice or support when you were struggling, what would it be?
It seems like a lot of money but it’s worth it and works – just do it
Are there any other comments you would like to make?
I would encourage anyone with sleep issues to try therapy. Sleep is so important to our overall feelings of health and wellbeing – it’s worth a try.
