Alcohol and Sleep routine

Hi coaches,

This is something that’s been nagging at me for quite some time now, and I would appreciate your insight on my thoughts and feelings around alcohol and strict bedtime.

I’m not a huge drinker, but when there’s a celebration, festival, or I just want to go out and have a good time, I enjoy having a few alcoholic drinks. However, when the night is over and I retire to bed after a lovely night out, I often experience insomnia. I lie awake, feeling wound up and upset about having had some drinks. This spirals into thoughts like “Why did I drink if this happens every time? I’m never drinking again.” It’s a shame because I feel I deserve to be able to have a drink. This hasn’t been a problem until recently. I wonder why others can pass out when I lay awake, and as you can imagine, these unkind thoughts result in tears.

When I can’t sleep and I haven’t had a drink or I’m feeling a bit anxious before bed, I usually do a thought download or take something to help me sleep. All of this usually works well. I’m nurturing and kind to myself, and I have a very good relationship with myself when I’m sober. However, when I’m drunk or even just after one pint, I feel wired.

There’s one aspect I shouldn’t skip past: over the years, I’ve established a lovely sleep routine, which has helped me immensely. I start getting into bed at 9:30, do some yoga, read my book, and then fall asleep. Even on the weekends- Friday or Saturday, I stick to this routine (even when I might want to stay up later). I’m quite strict with myself about it, though I would love to stay up a bit later to watch a film or go out, but the thought of disrupting my sleep comes up. However, I do sleep fine, and I’m realizing that, at 28, if I want to stay up later, I can. I’ve come to the point where I realize, as much as my habits have come from a good place of protection, Love and nurturing I need to break away from them a bit and soften where I can.

Thank you, coaches.

 

 

Answer:

 

This is a beautiful opportunity to do some self-exploration and it’s wonderful that you’re allowing yourself to do so.

Let’s check in with your reasons for wanting to soften a bit, and your reasons for why you might stick strictly to your routine. Why do you want to soften? Notice what you think it would allow for you or what result you would get out of it. Are there any benefits to adhering to your routine the way you have been? What is the detriment to sticking to your routine strictly?

Secondly, what would softening look like for you?