Overcoming Insomnia: A Success Story

Insomnia can feel like an isolating battle, but you are not alone. I want to share my personal journey through sleepless nights, deep struggles, and ultimately, my path to healing. As you read, I invite you to reflect on your own experiences. See if there are patterns, emotions, or events that resonate with you. This is not just my story—it may hold keys to unlocking your own healing journey.

My Story

I have always been a sensitive being, and my sleep has reflected that. As a child, I could sleep well when I felt safe, but stressors—like upcoming synchronised swimming competitions—would make my sleep lighter. However, I never experienced true insomnia until later in life, when my nervous system was pushed beyond its limits.

The First Episode: Searching for Answers Outside Myself

My first severe episode of insomnia began at the end of a volatile, on-again-off-again relationship. The emotional highs and lows were extreme, and I developed deep anxiety and trust issues. My body no longer felt safe, and my nervous system went into consistent high alert.

One night, I didn’t sleep at all. I thought it was my mattress, so I replaced it—twice—but still, no sleep. Insomnia had taken hold. Over the next nine or ten months, I struggled through repeated breakups, reconciliations, and a body that refused to rest. 

I turned to doctors, specialists, and medications. I was prescribed anti-psychotic, anti-anxiety pills, sleeping pills along with melatonin. Nothing truly worked. Zopiclone (a nonbenzodiazepine, specifically a cyclopyrrolone) became my crutch, but I built a tolerance and had to increase my dosage regularly. The side effects left me feeling groggy, disconnected, and depressed. I lost precious memories with my daughter, as there are entire moments and events she remembers that I simply do not.

Desperate, I sought answers from psychologists, herbalists, and sleep clinics. I exercised vigorously, hoping exhaustion would force sleep. Nothing helped. I had moments where I was awake at night, alone, afraid, and I just wanted it all to end. 

Then, something unexpected happened. I met a kind, trustworthy, and sensitive man with a soothing voice. He spoke to me as I drifted off, and for the first time in months, my body felt safe. My nervous system finally relaxed, and I slept through the night. This continued for five years.

The Second Episode: Turning Inward for Healing

When my relationship ended, I moved into a new home with my daughter and our rescue dog Stanley. I was ready to reinvent myself. I wanted to help people struggling with insomnia, but I didn’t have all the answers yet. I couldn't just tell people to find a kind, soothing voice to sleep next to.

Then, the universe gave me another opportunity to learn. I attended a 10-day silent meditation retreat (Vipassana). The setting was beautiful, and the meditation practice resonated deeply, but at night, I was woken repeatedly by a loud crash from a wheelchair hitting the building. My body reacted as if I were in danger. My heart raced, my breath became shallow, and my nervous system snapped back into fight-or-flight mode.

For 10 days, I got no sleep. I tried different rooms, but noise triggers followed me. Frustrated, I was ready to leave. But then I realised: perhaps I was meant to face insomnia again. This time, without medication, without running, without distraction.

Returning home, the sleepless nights continued, but I did something different: I did not resist. Instead of panicking, I turned inward. I meditated, breathed, cried, learned and listened. My body guided me to books, courses, and people who carried wisdom I needed. I followed every nudge from my intuition.

One profound shift was reconnecting with my parents. Gratitude and healing flowed into our relationship, and I now guide my father through a meditation three times a week - who is experiencing amazing benefits from this new routine. And for me, slowly but surely, my sleep returned. First, light and lucid, then deeper and more restorative. Today, I sleep peacefully from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.

This time, I truly understood insomnia. And from that understanding, this program was born.

Key Takeaways from My Journey

1. The body needs to feel safe to sleep. Nervous system dysregulation is a key factor in chronic insomnia.
2. Medications can mask symptoms but don’t address the root cause. True healing requires deep inner work.
3. Healing is a journey, not a quick fix. My second insomnia experience lasted months, but each day brought me closer to balance.
4. Listening to your body is essential. Meditation, intuition, and self-awareness are powerful guides.
5. Reconnection—whether with loved ones, nature, and yourself—can be deeply healing. 

Reflection Prompts

Take a moment to reflect on your own journey with sleep. Consider journaling your answers or simply meditating on them:

1. When did your sleep struggles begin? Was there a specific event or period of stress?
2. How did your body react? Did you experience anxiety, a racing heart, or other physical symptoms?
3. What have you tried to improve your sleep? What worked, and what didn’t?
4. Where do you feel most safe? How can you cultivate a greater sense of safety at night?
5. What intuitive nudges have you ignored? Is there something you feel drawn to explore in your healing journey?

It is not easy. It may not be comfortable. It is not a linear process. More like a roller coaster. But sleep returns. And with that, you get your life back. If you feel ready or called, join us in the next cohort.

With love & stillness,

Annelies x

💛 Are you ready to step into Annelies' footsteps and find deep, restful sleeps?

Learn more about the program 'Overcoming Insomnia'. 

Or, if you're ready to dive in:

🌙 Join the 6-Week Intensive — including weekly Deep Release Therapy and the guidance you need to reconnect with your body, your sleep, and your pure self.

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