The Sleep Coach School Podcast

Insomnia Insight #457: These three insights can change everything...

If you've started to sleep on the couch or a spare bed because of your partner, this episode is for you. In this edition of Insomnia insight, we look at why we stay awake, how to meet this situation and, how to get back to where we want to sleep forever.

Open Class #152: Live Q&A

In the first ever new open class format, we answer questions live from the community. We look at why we can be "addicted" to go to bed later. We look at how to approach hyperarousal from fearing our kids will wake up. We talk about when sleep restriction seems not to work and more.

Heard Online #7: This teaching is amazing...

In today's episode of Heard online we look at an article from 2019 by Nick Wingall. https://nickwignall.com/trying-to-sleep/ We find a clearly written piece on the paradoxcial nature of sleep, from which we can see the path to sleeping easier and easier.

Insomnia Insight #456: Please watch...

In this episode we look at two common reasons that we are anxious even when we sleep when we have struggled with insomnia. We also look at the new format of the channel and a new coaching option.

Weekly Roundup 4.22.12: See through the fear and find peaceful sleep

In this episode we review the week on the channel. We find a nugget of insight in a message from Ashley who has noted that for her, becoming relaxed triggers anxiety.

Talking Insomnia #100: How everything changed for Benjamin

After a stressful night as a line cook, Benjamin woke up with his heart racing. For the first time in his life, he had a sleepless night. Little did he know at the time that he was going to face an intense struggle. Or that learning from insomnia would change his life in a wonderful way.

Open Class #151: To Jaideep, Kyle, Jake and Ashley

Jaideep is on the recovery path but is experiencing a half-sleep half-awake state many nights. Is this normal? Kyle has heard that sleep maintenance insomnia is the worst kind, because sleep restriction doesn't work. Is this true? Jake wonders if starting to use a tracking device is the way to go after a few days of restless sleep. Ashley wonders why she is become anxious from becoming relaxed.

Heard online #6: Turn massive confusion into peaceful sleep

In this edition of Heard online we look at an article from The deep sleep company. We find that the exact opposite of what leads us to have peaceful sleep is recommended to... someone who already sleeps well. And we see that turning this around, and leaving striving is why said person slept well in the first place.

Insomnia Insight #455: CBTi vs ACT/Natto - find your way!

A common question from the community is which is the way to follow where there are conflicting ideas. In CBTi we are told to get out of bed if we can't sleep. In ACT we hear that we should stay. Natto says to befriend wakefulness. In this video, we look at various ideas of how to sleep well when you've been struggling. We find ideas that truly are conflicting and some that are closer than you may imagine.

Weekly Roundup 4.15.22: When is it okay to present something that can frazzle us?

In this weeks roundup, we look at a comment from Mary on Talking insomnia #99. Mary has done very well but is now a bit scared of the sandstorm. At the same time we have been upset about an article with a triggering title in Hear online #5. When is it acceptable to bring up something that can be scary?

Talking Insomnia #99: How you rise above this painful struggle

In this episode we talk about the sandstorm. A struggle that can happen despite (or in some way because of) starting to see clearly why insomnia happens and how one can let go. Although this struggle feels like being lost in a painful and blinding storm of sand, relief may be closer than it seems.

Heard online #5: What are we doing?

In this episode we examine a study by Phyllis Zee and colleagues suggesting that light during the sleep period has health implications. We find that there's little if anything to support the alarming title of the paper. We also find many alternative titles including "Bright light during the night does not affect melatonin levels".

Great artists steal!

In this episode we get a behind the scenes look at the designs of Set it & Forget it and This is Natto. We also get a sneak peak at the upcoming book Tales of Courage.

Insomnia Insight #454: How the honeymoon becomes your new reality

In this video we talk about a common experience when you come across this channel or Set it & Forget it - the sleep honeymoon. A period of time where you suddenly sleep well again after having struggled with insomnia. What is also common is to see the sleep honeymoon end. We talk here about why this happens, and also how to meed this situation. We see that it is common and a normal part of the process of leaving insomnia. And that furthermore, it is and invitation to the inner journey that ...

Weekly Roundup 4.8.22: I was wrong about this

10 days prior to today, Beanie Z pointed out that they felt tired and that this probably was expected given the long struggle that only now was beginning to fade. Coach Daniel realizes that this is true and contrary to what he has said before. Post-arousal fatigue doesn't always feel good. And it's still a nice sign!

Open Class #151: To Gabriella, Jenny and Santiago

Gabriella wonders how to stop the subconscious monitoring of whether sleep is about to happen. Jenny is struggling to embrace the scary idea of accepting wakefulness. Santiago is in a speed bump and fears going back to the full blown insomnia he had in the past.

Talking Insomnia #98: How Diego’s insomnia ended... for the exact same reason it started

Diego from Talking insomnia #69 returns to share an insight on how transformation happened for him on a very specific date. If you'd like to see what Diego is up to, you can check out his YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/c/LaScuoladel... Or connect with him on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lascuoladel...

Insomnia Insight #453: How you get back to your comfy bed!

If you've found that sleep happens easier on a couch or spare bed, but you'd like to go back to sleep in your own bud, this episode is for you. We discuss three reasons why sleeping elsewhere happens easier, and we look at two ideas for how to get back to where you want to sleep!

Insomnia Insight #452: Four people who’ve been where you are illuminate the path

In this episode we look at the question of when it helps us to be brave and challenge ideas we have had and when it helps to allow ourselves to just be. We look at four answer and see that perhaps, perhaps the answer is the same.

Talking Insomnia #97: From the ER and multiple medications to freedom and peace with Charlene

On April 3, 2021, shortly after Charlene had her first baby, she found herself becoming scared of things that had never been scared of before. She became scared of becoming psychotic, scared of thoughts of what she might do and scared of emotions. The following night was sleepless and soon enough she was engaged in an inner struggle, engaged in insomnia. In this episode, she shares the story of how the struggle started, and how everything changed when she met Cindy. It is a powerful story o...

Heard Online #4: Hallucinations and insomnia - a review

In this episode we look at and article that has caused a fair deal of anxiety from Frontiers in Psychiatry: Severe Sleep Deprivation Causes Hallucinations and a Gradual Progression Toward Psychosis With Increasing Time Awake. We find that there is little, if anything, to support this triggering title. And we have some fun doing so.

Insomnia Insight #451: This can make things easier...

In this episode we look at three situations when as a coach, it can be a bit harder to help your client. We look at when there are set ideas, when there's a back and forth from a hiding place, and when there are many teachers. We look at how this creates struggle and how to meet these situations to arrive where you want to be.

Insomnia Insight #450: Two answers. Two invitations.

If you have found yourself thinking the same thoughts no matter how much you've tried to stop them, this video is for you. We look at the two answers and the two invitations embedded in the questions 'How do I stop overthinking'.

Open Class 150: To Tom, Joni, & Vanny

Coach Alina joins Coach Michelle to answer questions from three members of our community: Tom is retired and worries that if he gives in to his daytime sleepiness and takes a nap, like many of his friends, this would make his nights even worse. Joni feels semi conscious most of the night, without going into deeper sleep. She wonders if this has a name and if there's anything to do. Vanny has tried befriending wakefulness but ends up crying because she feels so lonely. How can she meet thi...

Talking Insomnia #96: This will teach you sooo much

Sierra from Talking insomnia #46 returns to share profound insights from an unexpected spiritual teacher, Spongebob. We look at three clips in which he becomes scared, tries to avoid what he is afraid of, and finally finds the way to happiness and relief. Here are the clips we look at: How insomnia usually introduces itself to us https://youtu.be/H6ujZC26Y2g Avoidance making it worse (From around the 1:45-4:00 mark 😂) https://youtu.be/j-G8dGEgdL8 Acceptance leading to Insomnia running ...

Insomnia Insight #449: Sleep maintenance insomnia explained in 10 minutes

In this episode we look at one of the most common experiences of the fear of being awake, sleep maintenance insomnia. This episode is divided into part A where we look at how it happens and part B in which we look at how to meet this common situation.

Open Class #149: To Laurence, Charis, Krystel and Rahib

In this episode, Kristen from Talking insomnia #84 joins to answer questions from the community. Lauren wonders how important micro-sleep in the evening is. Charis is managing sleep 80% of the time but struggles when there's an obligation the following day. Krysten has done well for 2-3 weeks, but is disappointed to find herself having some struggle again. Rahib has been forced to smoke weed and is worried that he has injured his brain.

Heard Online #3: Terri finds peace and fearlessness. Because she slept more??

In this episode we look at a Huffington post article by Terri Cole. Terri shares a story of a hectic struggle to become a successful talent agent and the introspection that a cancer diagnosis leads to.

Insomnia Insight #448: Insomnia eyes - why we have them and what can help

If you've wondered whether others who've struggled with sleep also have eye discomfort, this episode is for you. We review why it may be that this indeed is a common experience and how knowing this in itself can be so very helpful.

Insomnia Insight #447: When ’ignoring’ does and doesn’t help

In this episode we answer the common questions: 'Should I ignore my insomnia to sleep better?'. We see how this questions is best answered by looking at how we define 'ignore' and which definition leads us where we want to be.

You didn’t know this about me

Open Class #148: To Shari, Christelle, Elie and Katarina

Shari has found a way out of insomnialand. Christelle is experiencing palpitations and is doing anything she can not to. Elie is scared of having a heart attack because her brain just won't shut off. Katarina has seen things getting easier, but now something new is frightening her - the process of sleep and falling asleep.

Talking Insomnia #95: Shaan Kassam (!) shares pearls for anxiety and insomnia recovery!

It is a powerful and remarkable story that we all can learn much from. When Shaan found himself having a second panic attack, things quickly spiraled. He lost weight, moved in with his parents and quit working to focus on getting well from what he believed was a physical problem. When and unconvinced ER physician told Shaan (on his birthday!) he could order any test he would like, and they all came back negative, things started to change. Not only does Shaan no longer struggle with anxiety,...

Talking Insomnia #94: Kamilla’s path from darkness to joy

In the summer of 2021, Kamilla went home to Russia for the first time in five years. After getting robbed by a Taxi driver and an emotional reunion with her family, she found herself not sleeping. In this powerful episode Kamilla shares how her insomnia began, how it intensified, and how it faded once she saw that she was not along, and she understood what had happened.

Insomnia Insight #446: Which option is best for me?

In this episode we answer a common question of which coaching option is preferred depending on your...preferences. We review when the Insomnia immunity program, BedTyme and 1:1 zoom based coaching may be a great fit for you.

Insomnia Insight #445: 4 invitations from 4 honest questions

In this episode, inspired by a comment from Melanie B, we look at situations where we can deploy honesty and see what invitations this leads to. We look at the situation where we glance at the micro, feel exhausted, don't see our friends because we slept little and finally, when we find empathy from struggling.

Insomnia Insight #444: The Sunday night insomnia episode

In this episode we look at four points for anyone who's struggled with sleep the night before Monday. We look at the difference between disrupted sleep from stress and the fear of not sleeping. We go on to look at two ways to meet this situation and a final thought that may be the most important one for you.

Talking Insomnia #93: The trip that changed everything

In this episode we get to know how Tom started struggling with sleep after his routines changed. We learn of he saw that attempts at control was was fed the struggle and we learn of tow very special journeys. The journey to Germany, and the journey to the inside.

Insomnia Insight #443: Three things if you’ve had fear of fear

It looks like a typo but understanding this has much practical value. This is why in this episode we (1) look at the rational aspect of fear of fear (2) look at examples and (3) how to meed this situation.

The Weekly Roundup 2.18.22: Two reasons there’s so much confusion in sleep

In this roundup we look at a comment from Laura on Heard online #2. We see that the burden of proof dilemma and skewed incentives makes for a confusing state of affairs in the sleep universe.

Heard Online #2: What do we really know about sleep?

In this episode we look at a new essay from Alexey Guzey, the man who debunked 'Why we sleep'. We find that there's much reason to take anything we hear from the sleep establishment with a bucket of salt.

Insomnia Insight #442: Why the tears come after a sleepless night

In this episode, we look at an analogy of a child crying because of how they interpret getting served the wrong type of eggs. We see that the narratives that the mind creates determines if our tears are those of sadness, relief or happiness.

Open Class #146: To Alice, Kevin, Diane and Marcin

In this episode Coach Michelle is joined by Coach Beth (Beth Kendall) to answer questions from the community. Alice is asking if the teachings we share on the channel apply to perimenopausal women? Kevin wonders how one can meet the anxiety associated with the bed having had panic attacks there. Diane and Marcin both find themselves waking up a certain number of hours after falling asleep and struggling from there.

Weekly Roundup 2.11.22: Cassie’s comment and Two medication stories

In this episode we look at a comment from Cassie that raises the questions - why does society applaud early birds and frown at night owls? What do you think? Do you agree? Secondly, we take note of the fact that this week, we had two guests in different parts of the journey (Talking insomnia 91 and 92 with Nick and Basilio) of leaving sleeping pills. Much to learn from if this topic interests you.

Talking Insomnia #91: Basilio is seeing the path to peaceful sleep

In this episode we get to know Basilio. He started having trouble sleeping in December despite not having any major stressful trigger. In retrospect, he see that the wondering about not sleeping itself may have been the reason for much of the struggle. Today, he has come off medications. The first week was choppy, but he felt more refreshed than on medication. The second week has been easier, and he feels optimistic about the future.

Heard Online #1: Revenge bedtime procrastination?!?

In this episode we talk about new terminology introduced by the sleep foundation, brought to our attention by Chelsea. We see how not allowing yourself to enjoy the evening isn't an act of self kindness, and how when we are gentler with ourselves, sleep can happen by itself.

Insomnia Insight #441: Four things for anyone who’s wondered

In this episode we look at what we can learn from wondering if a Natto based program will work for you. We look at 4 points and here is a spoiler... the first is a big thank you (!) to you for this consideration. It means the world :)

Talking Insomnia #90: Coming off Trazodone - a discussion with Nick

In this episode Nick shares his journey from an ER visit and panic attacks to a place of peaceful sleep. However, the reason he joins the program is that he is on Trazodone and would like to come off. We have a discussion about general principles that can be helpful to know about for anyone wishing to wean off sleeping pills.

Friday Debriefing #1

In which we bring up the question of innocence in sleep reporting AND we get to witness a magical reunion.

Talking Insomnia #88: How color came back to Saniya’s life

In this episode, Saniya shares is a powerful tale of courage, kindness and letting go. We hear of a 35 min long panic attack leading to an ER visit, moving back in with parents and having her mom hold her hand at night, and the freedom and relief that comes with the inner work. This episode will resonate with you especially much if you are a type A person and doubt that recovery is possible. It is.