The Sleep Coach School Podcast

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.

Talking Insomnia #89: 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.

Insomnia Insight #440: Heart racing? Panicky feeling? Here’s something I hope will truly help

In this special episode we look at and article about adrenaline rushes from Healthline. We learn the basic physiology, we see what will not help and finally, we look at three practical ways that can make you find peaceful sleep and peace of mind. Link to article: https://www.healthline.com/health/adr...

Open Class #145: To Sneha, Dorothy, Ayesha, Jonathan and Jocelyn

Sneha wonders if three days of sleep deprivation can cause a seizure. Dorothy is a mother of two from the Philippines who is experiencing rebound insomnia and wonders if she can ever sleep normally again. Ayesha is desperate for help. Jonathan has learned much, but asks if perhaps his case still is different from those who have left insomnialand. Jocelyn has done well until a speed bump three weeks prior. She has tried to ignore it, but it is still bothering her. In this episode newly grad...

Talking Insomnia #88: Angela’s path from struggle to hope to letting go and sleeping again

When some stress kept Angela awake longer than usual, a worry about being awake occurred. Although she no longer remember the stressor, Angela recalls clearly the four months of struggling that followed and how the struggle consumed a great part of her life. Finding Sasha Stephens was a turning point as she felt hope for the first time. But ultimately it was another turning point that lead to the struggle finally fading away.

Insomnia Insight #439: Another Lovely Sierra Insight (into speed bumps!)

Sierra from Talking insomnia 46 and 55 is back with insight on speed bumps. She in fact no longer has speed bumps, but only small hiccups. She now wants to share with you how she arrived where she is, to make your journey a bit easier.

Insomnia Insight #438: Were humans meant to sleep in more than one period?

In this episode we review a common idea, that before the industrial revolution humans slept in two periods, not one. We look at questions from Jonathan who requested this video. As so often, we see that we can learn more from where the questions come than the replies to said questions.

Open Class #144: To Andrew, Nathan, Dana & Diana

Andrew shares words of wisdom about a common misunderstanding of Befriending wakefulness. Nathan has noticed grunting or groaning noises as he tries to sleep. Dana wonders how to have a timeless window when what she enjoys at night involves a screen. Diana has Good news (!) and Challenges.

Talking Insomnia #88: The gradual fading of George’s struggle

In this episode George shares how for him, it took some time for the things he learned on this channel to sink in and for things to get easier. More than anything else, he now see that it was his attempts at controlling sleep that led to his difficulties sleeping.

Insomnia Insight #437: When grown ups are scared of the dark, we also need a hug

In this episode we explore the common scenario of noting that what doesn't frighten us during the day can appear scary at night. We learn why this happens and how we can treat ourselves as we treat our children when they're scared of the dark. We see that regardless of age, things get easier when we give ourselves kindness and support.

Talking Insomnia #87: Leighton never believed it possible - he is sleeping well after 17 years

Leighton, previously a guest in Talking insomnia #47, shares a powerful story of self-exploration, the mystery of insight, and how anyone who is willing to take the path will arrive where they want to be.

Open Class #143: To Andrew, Ali, Maja & Pat

Andrew has halved his medications, but finds himself needing to watch a movie to sleep. How can he sleep without the use of either? Ali hasn't slept much for the past two years and is looking for a way out of the struggle. Maja has seen things getting easier, but at the same time is noticing that the process of leaving insomnia in itself seems to have become part of the struggle. Is this a thing that happens? Pat no longer struggles, but is noticing that she doesn't know how much she slep...

Talking Insomnia #86: Jacob saw he wasn’t his thoughts, found more freedom and peaceful sleep

In this episode Coach Michelle talks with a student in the Immunity program, Jacob. He shares his journey of struggling to seeing the struggle as an invitation. An invitation to learn about oneself and see that all isn't what it may appear to be. He shares with us how awareness is like a container, and when we have space between us and our experiences, things get easier and easier.

Open Class #142: To Riley, Emily and Daniel

Riley feels mentally in a good place but is tired and is wondering about going to a sleep center. Emily recently became a mom for the second time and is scared of having fatal insomnia. Daniel sees that insomnia isn't a sleep problem, but a thinking "problem". Yet, there's still a struggle.

Talking Insomnia #85: From thinking she was the only one to understanding and peaceful sleep

In this episode Veronika shares the story of how the big one, fourteen sleepless nights, marked the beginning of eight years of insomnia. We learn how the struggle ended when problem solving was directed elsewhere (having two small children) but that the final resolution came with education and seeing that she wasn't alone.

Open Class 141: To Diana, Becca, and Davy

Diana has just found our teaching after five years of struggling and is feeling excited! Becca was prescribed medications after sleepless nights post a stressful event 2 months ago, now she cannot sleep without them. Davy sleeps great most nights, but cannot shake the feeling that he will never get past sleep anxiety and that this will be a struggle for life.

Talking Insomnia #84: How Kristen’s 15 years of struggle ended

The night before Kristen took her medical school admission test, she didn't sleep. Although she did fine on the exam and is now a practicing physician, sleep was on the radar. After having three back to back exams, and sleepless nights, the radar was on full scanning mode and more than a decade of struggle followed. In this episode we hear the story of how everything changed for Kristen when she started understanding and letting go.

Insomnia Insight #426: Holiday jitters keeping you up? 4 tips for an easier season!

In this episode coaches Michelle and Daniel share for things for a more peaceful holiday time: Understanding that anyone in a stressful time with lots of changes can have choppy sleep, recognizing the courage of going ahead with plans, leaving the pressure to be in a festive mood and after the fact...give yourself a ton of kudos for having lived your values despite discomfort!

Insomnia Insight #425: The programmed fear response. And how it automatically ends

In this episode Coach Alina shares a framework of how our brains automatically learn how to respond from thoughts, feelings and behaviors that follow a circumstance. We learn how understanding that this is simply a program running on autopilot can relieve us from feeling guilty and from the work of trying to change the program. Both leading us to a more and more peaceful place.

Talking Insomnia #83: The baby slept, Stephanie didn‘t. A journey from struggle to seeing the path

In this episode we connect with Stephanie. Having had trouble sleeping only before events, insomnia was not a significant part of her life until she became a mom for the first time. She tells us how dark things were, how they got brighter and how she sees herself leaving insomnia behind for good.

Insomnia Insight #424: How the game of Whac-A-Mole ends

In this episode we talk about the common experience of new problems appearing as soon as one has faded. We look at four thoughts on how to learn and leave the game of Whac-A-Mole.

Insomnia Insight #423: How to meet nightmares and other surface manifestations of fear

In this video we look at a comment from a long time supporter to learn about nightmares and how to meet them. We look at where they come from and how one can find peace regardless of how fear is manifested.

Talking Insomnia #82: Finding a way to meet the emotional flood that had been suppressed for years

After a period of stress in the spring of 2021, Ilona decided to do a digital detox. Little did she know that her phone had been a way to buffer uncomfortable emotions that had been present for years, and that her decision would open floodgates that couldn't be closed again. In this episode we learn how Ilona found herself in a struggle with sleep, in a place of experimenting with medications and ultimately seeing the path towards peace.

Insomnia Insight #422: We look at two articles suggested by Susan

In this episode we look at two papers examining sleep and immune system. As in many other journal club episodes, we find that the titles have little to do with results.

Open Class #139: To Udhayanithi, Phonovan, Alesha, and Amy

Udhayanithi is doing much better but has seen on Google that "treatment can help but this condition can't be cured" which is producing some anxiety. Phonovan is worried that they may not function much longer given the fatigue. Alesha wonders how one can respond when someone says their day is absolutely terrible because they got little sleep. Amy can be calm but the moment she gets into bed her mind starts racing. How can we meet this?

Talking Insomnia #81: How Grace left the darkest moments of her life behind

Grace had always been the classical type A person. A high achiever, and athlete and perfectionist. After two sleepless nights in April 2021, she found herself desperately trying to understand what was happening. Soon after she experienced the darkest moments of her life, a period of obsession and frustration and hopelessness. Everything changed after a phone call with Jim. Now she guests the channel to share her story.

Open Class #138: To Miguel, Jason & Thomas

Miguel writes a message to share a success story and inspiration with the community! Jason wonders if it is normal to have several sleepless nights after staring CBTi. Thomas asks if a pattern of struggling for 2-3 nights and then having one night of sleeping better is normal when you are 71 years old?

BIG news!!

In this episode Coach Daniel shares how he feels about a new book and for whom it may be of value. The paperback is available on Amazon and the e-book version will follow in the next few weeks.