Managing insomnia can still be draining – KFYR

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BISMARCK, N.D. (KFYR) – Insomnia is mentally and physically draining. A recent CDC study says 34 percent of North Dakota adults are sleep deprived, meaning they get less than seven hours of sleep each night.

For Taylor Brinsfield, a victim of chronic insomnia, a good night’s sleep is a luxury. He pushes to stay upbeat, but daily battles with brain fog, depression and anxiety.

“I’m only 29, but it feels like I’m 85. I don’t know what that feels like, but that’s kinda what it feels like to deal with it. It feels like it’s kind of sucking the life out of me, ” said Brinsfield.

To finally rest, Brinsfield uses homeopathic remedies like valerian root tea and listening to certain sounds, like buzzing cicadas, but it’s still hit or miss.

“Some nights, those auditory cues, because that’s kind of what I fell asleep to as a child, and I’m trying to use that psychological play to lull my brain into a state of sleep, ” said Brinsfield.

Josh Stevens also has insomnia. He had severe bouts of insomnia as a kid, sleeping just three to five hours per night.

For the past 20 years, Stevens has been able to manage his sleeplessness with prescribed sleeping medication and by sticking to a strict routine. His hobbies, like woodworking and graphic design, also help put his mind at ease.

“And that made a huge difference. Being able to kind of control and have a pattern of just, take it this time every night and try to wake up at this time every day,” said Stevens.

Mayo Clinic sleep medicine specialist Eric Olson said that besides sticking to a strict sleep schedule and a healthy diet, cognitive behavioral therapy can also help teach insomniacs thought patterns and behaviors that support sound sleep.

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