No Fear, Just Life: Ben’s Lessons from Insomnia (Talking Insomnia #212)

Join us in this episode as Ben shares his profound struggle with insomnia triggered by chronic pain and medication withdrawal. He discusses the challenges, the dark thoughts, and the steps he took towards recovery, including helpful insights from CBTI and the BedTyme app. Ben emphasizes the importance of living life despite sleep difficulties and the gradual nature of recovery. His candid journey offers hope and practical advice for anyone facing similar struggles. 00:00 Introduction and Personal Struggles 01:59 The Onset of Sleep Issues 03:03 Medication and Its Consequences 04:52 Finding Help and Coping Strategies 07:07 Challenges and Setbacks 15:23 Experience with Benzodiazepines 19:25 Discovering CBTI and Other Resources 25:14 Facing Travel Anxiety and Overcoming Phobias 26:32 The Role of Ellie the Chatbot 27:09 Missed Insights and Exposure Therapy 29:20 The Power of Thoughts and Acceptance 34:18 OCD and Sleep Compulsions 36:50 The Gas and Brake System 37:50 Michael Jackson's Sleep Struggles 40:53 Final Reflections and Advice If you're new here and like what you've seen so far, you'll want to download our FREE 'Off-to-Dreamland' e-booklet. Simply head over to https://www.thesleepcoachschool.com and click the link at the tippy top. Happy reading! — If you're ready to leave insomnia for good, check out our coaching options. Head over to www.thesleepcoachschool.com and click on GET SLEEP in the menu. The Insomnia Immunity program is perfect if you like learning through video and want to join a group on your journey towards sleeping well. BedTyme is ideal if you like to learn via text and have a sleep coach in your pocket. The 1:1 Zoom based program is for you if you like to connect one on one with someone who has been where you are now. — Do you like learning by reading? If so, here are two books that offer breakthroughs! Tales of Courage by Daniel Erichsen https://www.amazon.com/Tales-Courage-... Set it & Forget it by Daniel Erichsen https://www.amazon.com/Set-Forget-rea... — Would you like to become a Sleep Hero by supporting the Natto movement on Patreon? If so, that’s incredibly nice of you 😊. And here’s the link to do just that:   / thesleepcoachschool   — Not sure where to start on your path to sleeping well? Check out these playlists! This is natto - the perfect place to start learning.    • This is Natto - Start here if you are new ...   Success stories - if you need hope and inspiration, this is for you.    • Success stories   Talking insomnia - guests with trouble sleeping or experts share their stories / tips.    • Talking insomnia   Hypnic jerks, hypnic awareness and other common issues.    • Hypnic jerks and more.   Fatal insomnia - for those concerned about ffi and sfi.    • Familial and sporadic fatal insomnia   Speed bumps - when you think you had a setback or “relapse.”    • Talking insomnia #55: Learning about speed...   Unrefreshing sleep - when you always feel tired or exhausted.    • Unrefreshing sleep   Momsomnia - if you’re a mom or becoming a mom.    • Momsomnia   Heard online - when you’ve worried about claims made about health problems and insomnia.    • Heard online   This content does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and should never replace any advice given to you by your physician or other qualified healthcare providers.