Chapter 6. States of Consciousness

SC.24: Deep Dive – Aria’s Story (Part 2): Aria’s Reflection on Overcoming Insomnia

Approximate reading time: 5 minutes

Before I decided to seek help for my insomnia, I felt overwhelmed and a bit scared. The idea of opening up about my sleep problems and changing my habits seemed daunting. But reaching the point where I knew I needed help was a big step for me.

When I first met the intern, Rohan, I was immediately struck by his knowledge and compassion. He didn’t just see me as another case; he saw me as a person struggling with something deeply personal. His understanding and empathy made it easier for me to open up and trust the process.

The intern explained each insomnia strategy in a way that was easy to understand. He taught me not just what to do, but why it would help. Understanding the biological and psychological reasons behind each intervention was fascinating and made me feel more in control of my situation. It was empowering to learn how small changes in my habits and environment could have such a significant impact on my sleep.

We started with the easier strategies, like improving my sleep hygiene and making environmental adjustments. These small victories in the first week boosted my confidence. Each week, as we added more strategies, I felt more equipped to handle the challenges. Rohan’s approach of scaffolding from easy to more challenging strategies was incredibly effective. It felt like I was building a strong foundation, and with each new layer, I was getting closer to better sleep.

The regular follow-ups were so helpful. They kept me motivated and accountable. Even when I struggled, like with reducing caffeine or managing stress, I knew I wasn’t alone. Rohan was there to guide me, adjust the plan as needed, and celebrate the small wins with me.

Now, looking back, I can hardly believe the change in my well-being. My insomnia, which once felt like an insurmountable obstacle, has greatly diminished. I sleep better, feel more energetic during the day, and my overall mood has improved. This journey has taught me so much about myself and the importance of taking care of my sleep. I’m grateful for Rohan’s guidance and the strategies that have helped me reclaim my nights and, in many ways, my life.

Aria’s heartfelt reflection gives us an intimate look into the ways in which the treatment strategies personally affected her, and offers insights into the emotional and psychological impact of the journey. You might be wondering how our intern, Rohan, did on his practicum. Here is his supervising psychologists’ feedback assessing Rohan’s approach, methodology, and effectiveness in handling Aria’s case. This feedback not only highlights his skills and accomplishments but also serves as a testament to the positive outcomes achieved through his dedicated efforts and holistic approach to treating insomnia.

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Introduction to Psychology: Supplemental Readings and Resources Copyright © 2024 by Jessica Motherwell McFarlane is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.

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