Sleep Unplugged with Dr. Chris Winter #185 - Insomnia Resolutions: Seeing My Past to Let It Go
Jan 5, 2026
Explore why New Year's sleep resolutions often fail, reframing insomnia as a brain wired for vigilance rather than a personal flaw. Discover six actionable resolutions, such as measuring calm instead of sleep and treating bedtime as rest rather than a performance challenge. Learn about the importance of evidence-based care and building supportive daytime routines. The conversation emphasizes that overcoming insomnia often requires structured help and reframing our approach to sleep.
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David Bowie Framing For Letting Go
- Chris discusses David Bowie's 'Thursday's Child' as a theme for seeing the past and letting it go.
- He connects the lyric 'seeing my past to let it go' to reframing New Year's sleep resolutions compassionately.
Insomnia Is A Vigilant Brain
- Insomnia is a vigilant brain wired to stay alert, not a failure of discipline.
- Reframe sleep as 'threat activated' versus 'safety conditioned' to reduce shame and blame.
Brad Pitt And Redford Nighttime Thoughts
- Chris recounts being kept awake by thoughts of Brad Pitt and Robert Redford as an example of normal bedtime rumination.
- He uses the story to normalize intrusive pre-sleep thoughts and remove shame around them.