A lot of us that suffer from maladaptive daydreaming suffer from poor sleep. It annoys me when I see articles written by people in the scientific community saying: ‘if you have MD and feel anxious then getting a good nights sleep is of the upmost importance’. Then these MD articles usually say something generic,  such as: “try and get a solid 8 hours a night, it will help you feel a lot better”. Without bothering to say how this is remotely achievable.  Obviously we would all LOVE to sleep throughout the night, we’re not choosing to wake up at 3am on purpose.

I’ve already tried sleeping pills. Nytol did not do anyanything for me and the sleeping pills prescribed from the doctor again didn’t stop me from waking up in the middle of the night either.

How to stop Maladaptive Daydreaming at Night

I think I’m suffering with poor sleep because my MD wakes me up so I can keep fantasising. Well that’s what happens. When I wake up during the middle of the night my mind latches on to a daydream, so for 14 days I’m going to try out this technique in the hope that it will get me to sleep throughout the night. And I’m documenting it so you can see the progress (if any).

Technique

When I go up to to bed in the evening whenever my mind wanders I’m going to take deep breaths and use the mantra, “Be Present” as I breathe. With each breath in, think to yourself “be” and with each breath out, focus on the word “present.” (it sounds simple but is surprisingly effective). I’ve then bought the CALM App and installed it on my iphone and am going to use a sleep story to try and help too.  Am hoping that once my mind realises that NO daydreaming/fantastising is allowed at this time of night, my mind will be able to shut down and sleep. Well that is the dream.

Night 1

It’s now midnight and I’ve been trying to get to sleep for the best part of 2 hours. My mind is begging me to start at the beginning of my favourite part of my daydream but I’m refusing. I keep using the mantra “Be Present’ whilst doing the breathing. I’ve listened to 2 sleep stories on the Calm app but to no avail, however I am exhausted. I must have fallen asleep but awake at 5am, which is better than 2 or 3am. I let myself daydream, too tired to care and don’t fall back asleep. Will try again tomorrow, hopefully with better results.

Nights 2 -5

OK I have dismally failed with this technique, my maladaptive daydreaming has taken over in the evenings and I’ve begun to really enjoy it. Yes I’m still waking up in the middle of the night but presently I don’t even mind. What does this mean?  If you’re strong enough to follow this technique please let me know how you get on.