4 Responses to “Hitting the Snooze Button”

1. Faith Says:
   February 14th, 2008 at 3:29 pm

   Thank you for posting this article. When I first discovered your blog, I was at my wits end from sleep deprivation caused by recurring nightmares. It was so bad that I dreaded falling asleep at night, and during the day I dragged around from exhaustion after waking up 4-5-6 times during the night from panic attacks. I had been in therapy for 9 months following the breakup with the love of my life. The various therapy approaches were helping, but nothing I did during waking hours could protect me from the terrors that continued to come in my dreams.

   Then I found your blog and the information you gave about TLC. With my therapist’s help I embarked on the regimen, which included 8 hours of sleep, going to bed and rising at the same time every day. I tried the full TLC for 30 days… at the end of those 30 days, I definitely felt better, but only during the day. Unfortunately, the nightmares continued.

   Well, I didn’t know what else to do so I just kept on going with the TLC, since everything other than the sleep component was working well for me. Then, what do you know - somewhere around the 2-month mark I realized that I had slept soundly all night, for the past several nights!

   That was 3 months ago, and I’m still following the TLC regimen. Once in a while, I slip off the 8-hour plan, and then I really feel the difference. So yes - now I truly understand what sleep deprivation does to me.

2. Cosmo - the black dog! Says:
   February 14th, 2008 at 4:57 pm

   Faith,

   Wow, what a testimonial. Thank you so much for sharing that. I’m so happy for you. You’ve stuck with the program and are better for it.

   It doesn’t work overnight but it does work and in the long run I think it’s longer lasting than other therapies. Now that you’re better I hope you’ll continue with the TLC. It will keep the depression at bay and is just a healthy way to take care of yourself. Keep up the good work.

   How are your panic attacks? I hope you’ve found some relief. I too have had my share of trouble with sleep, anxiety and panic. I don’t know that anything is as bad as not sleeping well, having nightmares, waking up in a panic and then dragging through the day. It is a living hell.

   If you haven’t already, I’d strongly recommend getting the book The Mindful Way through Depression and follow its ‘mindful’ practice. It not only helps with depression, it’s also great for anxiety, panic and other uncomfortable, problematic emotions. It’s a great compliment to the TLC program.

   Thank you again for sharing your story. You gave me and all black dog readers a truly wonderful Valentine’s Day present.

   Please stay in touch!

3. Faith Says:
   February 14th, 2008 at 6:19 pm

   Yes, I have a copy of “The Mindful Way through Depression,” thanks to your recommendation a few weeks ago. I also have the audio-book version of “Wherever you Go There You Are,” which is read aloud by Jon Kabat-Zinn himself. I listen to that on headphones while taking a stroll around my neighborhood. For me, the most difficult component of the TLC program was finding ways to stop the cycle of rumination! Both of these books have been very helpful.

   I haven’t had a panic attack in such a long time now, I can’t even remember the last time - knock wood!

   I’m definitely sticking with the TLC program - it is gradually restoring my sense of well-being again. And again, I want to thank you for all the gifts you’ve been sharing here on your blog - your stories, your recommendations - they are priceless.

4. Cosmo - the black dog! Says:
   February 14th, 2008 at 6:29 pm

   Wonderful Faith, just wonderful. You’ve really made my day. Some days it’s hard for me keep writing as it often brings up issues that start the ruminating snowball rolling. When I get feedback like yours it inspires me to keep going.

   I know what it’s like to loose the love of your life. You ruminate endlessly and just spiral down into a black hole but there is a way out and I’m glad you found it.

Leave a Reply