Psychologist tries to overcome insomnia in one week, here’s what happened

I used to help people overcome their sleep problems. Now none of the stuff I know is helping me to fall asleep. So I talked to a psychologist to get help. This is what happened.

Timestamps:
0:01 - My skills aren’t working anymore
0:49 - Why I can’t sleep at night
2:09 - Why this is a problem for me right now
2:41 - Meeting #1 with Dr. Hsu
6:46 - My goal for the week
6:56 - Night 1 and 2: Body scan meditation
8:02 - Night 3 and 4: Muscle relaxation
9:39 - Night 5, 6, and 7: Visualization
12:08 - Results and meeting #2 with Dr. Hsu

Resources mentioned in this video:


Connect with Ali:


THE PSYCH SHOW! Creating mental health videos that educate, entertain, and empower! Produced, written, and edited by clinical psychologist Ali Mattu, Ph.D. All videos are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute clinical advice.


If you or someone you know needs help immediately, you should take one of the following actions:
- go to your nearest hospital emergency room

[drali]

Timestamps:
0:01 - My skills aren’t working anymore
0:49 - Why I can’t sleep at night
2:09 - Why this is a problem for me right now
2:41 - Meeting #1 with Dr. Hsu
6:46 - My goal for the week
6:56 - Night 1 and 2: Body scan meditation
8:02 - Night 3 and 4: Muscle relaxation
9:39 - Night 5, 6, and 7: Visualization
12:08 - Results and meeting #2 with Dr. Hsu

[TheRupelstinsky]

To accept publicly that you don't know everyting, even in your professional field, and always look foward to learn more is a sign of a humble and really good professional. That's my man!

[sarahchin]

When I meditate I usually use the same mental imagery. Imagine yourself in your room, in your house/apartment, on your block, in your neighborhood, in your state/area, on the planet, on earth spinning, rotating around the sun, swirling in the milky way, swirling in our galaxy amongst countless other galaxies--- and then imagine the size of your problems/worries compared to the grand size of the universe.

[jazc]

Thanks for sharing this video! 😊 Ambient music and writing stuff down before sleeping has definitely been a game changer for me over the years, but I may well try these approaches too!

[emilyhankinson]

I highly recommend the ‘Sleep With Me’ podcast, it has saved me!!

[mylesmineer]

Thank you for this video! This is definitely one of my biggest struggles during this time and I’ll definitely check out these techniques to help me fall asleep!

[MusicalChelC]

Love this! I'm a single mom and have two little boys- 2.5 and 5 and have the same issue with them waking up early! I have no problem falling asleep but my issue is waking up throughout the night so then I just want to sleep in, which they don't let me do. Thanks for this!

[BBradford]

By far you’re the best at treating anxiety and sleep issues! I just typed anxiety and I saw your video. This my 3rd video in a row tonight! Outstanding information! 👊🏾

[DianaKim]

Definitely going to rewatch this later with my husband. If you do like listening to sounds or music in bed I’d recommend some sort of Bluetooth sleep headbands that have flat ear pieces in the headband so it’s not inside your ears and it’s cordless. The ones I have are by Lavince and you can find them for ~$20 on Amazon. I love falling asleep to deep sleep meditations (I have one favorite that I’ve been listening to for about a decade that I found on YouTube and downloaded at some point), and I also like to watch/listen to ASMR videos but that’s not for everyone. Good luck on your continued sleep improvement journey!

[Jwirt]

I’m a CMHC intern and love watching your videos

[richardshane]

Trouble sleeping, how do I turn off my mind?

Thank you

Blessings to you all

[ness]

Thank you for this video! As mental health professionals many people might assume we do not express presenting problems. I like how you brought us to your world and letting us know we are humans and we are all affected during these uncertainty times. Also, I love how you incorporated yourself and tried self-care.

[hondapromehmet]

If your body isn't tired enough to knock you right out your not working hard enough. Go for a run. Do physical exersize. Youll be so exhausted youll knock out like a light. We weren't designed to sit home all day & do zoom conferences. Get active.

[dhruvivora]

Hmm..seems like trial and error would work for many people. I've been trying slow breathing for some nights and it has been working till now. I also found it useful to keep myself engaged in any activity until I feel sleepy, irrespective of the time!

[Mikiode]

I struggle with sleep a lot and find that listening to podcasts (certain ones that are calmer) helps me fall asleep. I simply put a sleep timer on for 15 or 30 minutes.

[_ShreyaKaul]

Iam really thankful to you sir for giving knowledge about pyschology to people through your videos i hope there comes a day when people will not treat their feelings as a problem .

[CCOKay]

1:30-1:39 Hits home. I'm in Grad School right now. The struggle is real!

[xzonia]

I've been sick the past few weeks and am tired all the time, so I'm not having any trouble sleeping (but some staying awake, lol) but I really enjoyed watching you again after so long. Thanks for the video! I always find watching you reassuring and relaxing. <3

[ieshadover]

I have autism and have a life long battle with sleep because of spinning thoughts. Two most effective tacks is 1. A semi interesting audio book with a none irritating voice set to with a sleep timer. Book need to be interesting enough to hold your brains attention but not so interesting you won't drift off to sleep. I find light weight sci to works best for me. 2. Sleep button app. It plays a word every 7 seconds. You picture the word and as you get this the next word to visualize. It keeps you from focusing on one thing and thus looping and spinning but fucus away from your own spinning thought. Again has a timer to turn off after your asleep.

[jems]

i used to sleep at 11pm and wake up at 6am, now i sleep at 7am and wake up 2pm.
it’s currently 2am and i’m determined to sleep but i’m closing my eyes and i can’t fall asleep.