Sleepless Nights Unveiling the Hidden Impact of Post-Breakup Insomnia
Dealing with Post-Breakup Insomnia My Struggle to Sleep After an 8-Year Relationship Ended
When my eight-year long relationship bit the dust, I found myself tossing and turning at night, unable to catch a wink by myself. Turns out, I’m not the only one dealing with post-breakup insomnia. It’s like a whole club for sleep-deprived, heartbroken souls.
Now, you might think, “Come on, I’m a grown woman, why can’t I sleep alone anymore?” Trust me, I had the same thoughts. But then, I stumbled upon the movie “Something’s Gotta Give” while nursing my broken heart with a rom-com marathon. And let me tell you, Diane Keaton’s character, Erika Barry, spoke to my soul.
Erika Barry, a divorced scriptwriter played by Diane Keaton, hilariously explained her struggles with sleeping alone: “Sleeping by myself took some getting used to, but I got the hang of it. You gotta sleep in the middle of the bed. It’s absolutely not healthy to have a side when no one has the other side,” she said in the movie. Genius! Who knew the middle of the bed could be the ultimate solution to post-breakup insomnia?
But here’s the thing, my issue wasn’t missing my ex, it was missing my precious sleep pattern. Apparently, this phenomenon called “post-breakup insomnia” is pretty darn common. Wendy Troxel, a sleep expert, confirmed that breakups can mess with your sleep schedule. So no, you’re not alone in this sleepless ordeal.
Troxel explained that from an evolutionary standpoint, sleep is vulnerable, and we humans seek connections to feel safe. We often don’t realize it, but sleep is a social affair! Turns out, our bed partner plays a role in providing that psychological safety. Oxytocin, the love hormone, kicks in when we feel close to a partner, reducing anxiety and promoting tranquility.
However, here’s where things get interesting. Research isn’t conclusive about whether we sleep better with a bed partner. In fact, some unlucky souls sleep worse with a partner, thanks to the tossing, turning, and the occasional snoring symphony. So, it’s a 50/50 situation, folks. Sleeping alone might not be so bad after all.
Now, let’s talk about how to remedy this post-breakup insomnia madness. Trust me, I’ve been there, and I tried all the wrong approaches before finding the right one. First off, don’t do what I did and force yourself into bed, stressing about every lost hour of sleep. That’s a surefire way to drive yourself crazy.
Instead, embrace the fact that your experience is totally normal. Acceptance is key. Then, become a sleep scientist! Experiment with new techniques, just like Erika Barry says. Sleep in the middle of the bed, try relaxation practices like avoiding screens before bedtime, taking baths, meditating, and indulging in pleasurable activities.
But here’s the real secret sauce: build social connections during the day. Go out with friends, surround yourself with loved ones, and talk about your feelings. Taking care of your social needs has a direct impact on your sleep, according to Troxel. Plus, let’s be real, venting about your ex over a glass of wine does wonders for the soul.
And here’s the happy ending to my story: I can proudly declare that I sleep like a baby all alone now. In fact, I’ve become fiercely protective of my singlehood because uninterrupted sleep is worth its weight in gold. But, let’s be honest, dealing with nearly a year of insomnia was a tad excessive, don’t you think?
So, my fellow sleep-deprived fashionistas, if you’re struggling with post-breakup insomnia, fear not! Remember, you’re not alone, and there are ways to reclaim your sleep and sanity. Embrace the middle of the bed, experiment with relaxation techniques, and nurture your social connections. And soon, you’ll be snoozing peacefully, ready to conquer the world with style and grace.
Sweet dreams, lovelies!
