Sleep stories to relax your nights

   But first . . .  Consulting Teaches Me So Much About Insomnia and Rest 

Talking with people this last month reminds me that…

• Some people (even though they’re up for hours in the middle of the night) don’t think they have insomnia since they fall asleep at bedtime.
• Many feel isolated, that no one believes their struggles because they function okay in public, even with smiles.
• Many blame themselves for their insomnia, as if they’re doing something wrong which keeps sleep from descending on their nights.
• And some – even though they understand the concept -can’t consistently create rest during sleepless hours. And they blame themselves for that as well.

But deep rest is more than just a concept. It takes ingrained perspective and skills to move through obstacles of the mind, emotions, the whole nine yards. Deep rest is simple, but often not easy.

If you want to trust your ability to rest, to welcome the night and welcome sleep, start with a free consultation. I still have a few spots left for April. Be great to talk with you.

Sleep Stories to Relax Your Nights

At a bookstore last week, I heard Diane Gillespie read from Stories for Getting Back to Sleep.

These detailed, relaxing narratives describe characters in a variety of settings – traveling on a night train, cuddling in a blizzard, cozy camping, in an embracing hammock, even checking out a sleep pod. The characters release their worries and thoughts, notice muscles slowly letting go, and fall into gentle and deep sleep.

I call it “sleep porn.”

Especially this story about a hot stone massage. . . .

“I am so sleepy,” Anne said to Lila.

Her massage had been exquisite, her whole body relaxed. 

“Good,” Lila replied in her soft honeyed voice. “I will now place some warm weights on you to help you sink into sleep….”

Anne felt the first warm rock on the left of her spine…. She felt the rock’s smoothness and warmth and took in a deep breath…. 

Lila placed the next warm stone on the other side of her spine. She then put two more warm stones, somewhat heavier, further down Anne’s spine. Finally Lila put the last stones on Anne’s lower back. 

The slight pressure from these stones seemed to put Anne down into the mattress. She was so dozy that when the stones were removed and a blanket was put over her, she fell effortlessly into a deep sleep.”

Reading is great self-hypnosis, in my book (hah!)

Words create images and sensations that move you into your unconscious mind. That can be relaxing, depending on what you read (I don’t suggest the newspaper at night).

Stories for Getting Back to Sleep leads you to that relaxing place we all want to be at night.

From the Restful Insomnia perspective, let these stories lead you to deep rest – since chasing sleep keeps you awake. From deep rest, you renew and open the door to to the delights of sleep. Enjoy!

[Diane will be doing another book reading in Seattle on May 22. Proceeds from her book support the wonderful Tostan Foundation, supporting human rights education in Senegal.]