Insomnia

After a long workday filled with stress, several cups of espresso, and anxiety over upcoming projects, Leilani found herself unable to relax and fall asleep. She had already tried everything she could think of—reading a book, sipping hot tea, slipping into her comfortable pajamas, and hugging the teddy bear her boyfriend had given her. But none of it was enough to calm her restless mind that night. By now, it was already 3 AM. She continued scrolling through her phone, hoping that somehow it would lull her into sleep. Eventually, she switched between apps, distracted by her thoughts. In the process, she accidentally opened the phone app and, without realizing it, dialed her boyfriend’s number. She froze. Waking him up was the last thing she wanted to do—especially knowing how hard he worked at the hospital every day, often without proper rest. The idea of disturbing him made her feel guilty. She heard the faint bip of the phone, knowing that Zayne had picked up the call. “What happened, sweetheart?” he mumbled, his voice soft and sleepy, with hints of tiredness. “Nothing, dear. I accidentally called you. Don’t worry, just try to go back to sleep,” she said quickly, feeling guilty for disturbing him so late. “Wait, you’re having trouble sleeping again?” His voice grew more awake, laced with suspicion. She sighed deeply and mumbled, “Yeah, but don’t worry. I’m fine.” “Sweetheart, you’re definitely not fine. Have you tried anything to help with your insomnia?” he asked gently, his concern obvious. “Yes, I have, but…” She sighed again, frustration creeping into her voice. “But it didn’t help, did it?” Zayne asked, already knowing the answer. “Yeah…” she reluctantly admitted. “Okay… Um…” he paused for a moment before continuing. “Look, I have an idea. Put the call on speakerphone and set it on your bedside table.” Leilani was surprised by his suggestion. “Why?” “Please, just do what I asked,” he said gently, his tone filled with quiet reassurance. She did as he suggested. “What now?” “Now just lie down comfortably and close your eyes,” Zayne explained calmly. Leilani adjusted her position in bed and closed her eyes. “Okay, done.” “Good! Now, try to imagine…” he started. She quickly interrupted him. “Wait, are you trying to hypnotize me?” The doctor chuckled softly, amused despite his tired state. “No, I’m just trying to help you relax and get your mind off whatever’s keeping you awake.” “Fine…” she sighed softly. “Good girl.” There was a brief pause. “Now, I want you to imagine that you’re in a peaceful white forest. The snow beneath your feet is soft, making a light cracking sound. The cold wind blows gently, and you can feel the snowflakes falling softly onto your skin. You feel light, and your body is getting heavier and heavier.” “What?” she sounded surprised. “If snowflakes fall on my skin, they’ll melt and I’ll be wet. Do you want me to wake up all sweaty?” Zayne couldn’t help but laugh at her practicality. “Sweetheart, you’re not supposed to overthink it. Just go with the imaginary flow. Imagine there’s a cabin with a fireplace in the middle of the forest, okay?” “But what if something happens in that cabin and there’s a fire because of the fireplace?” she asked. “Oh, and that means I’ll wake up with a fever. You want me to get sick?” He laughed again. “No, dear. It’s an imaginary world where everything is okay. Just imagine a comfortable rocking chair inside the cabin and lie down in it.” “Hey! I don’t want to get nauseous from rocking in a chair. Don’t you know I hate that?” She frowned, sounding a bit annoyed. “Shh… Calm down. I apologize, love. Let’s try something else. Instead of the cabin, imagine you’re lying on a soft cloud. The air is peaceful, and you feel weightless,” he said soothingly, his voice gentle. After a small pause, she replied, “No, what if a unicorn walks by and doesn’t notice me and steps on me? I don’t want to get hurt.” “You’re unbelievable, you know that?” he chuckled, shaking his head. “Okay, I’ve got another one for you. You’re now inside a soft, warm cocoon made of the most comfortable materials. You feel safe, secure, and completely at ease. Can you imagine that?” “Am I a butterfly?” she asked. “No, you’re just resting there, all cozy and warm,” he explained. “Okay… But what if I’m allergic to some of those materials?” she replied. “Jesus Christ…” He facepalmed and sighed, clearly both amused and exasperated. After a few moments of thought, he said, “Okay, if you can’t turn off the logic, then… lean on your teddy bear, please.” “Okay,” she replied, following his instructions. “Done.” “Now, imagine that it’s me,” he said softly. “What do you feel?” “I feel safe and comfy… It’s such a good feeling,” she mumbled, starting to relax. “Now, imagine we’re cuddling. You nuzzle into my chest, and you feel completely relaxed…” he said, his voice lowering. “Mhm…” She mumbled softly, and after a few minutes, Zayne could tell she had finally fallen asleep. A small smile tugged at his lips. “Sleep well, love,” he whispered before hanging up and returning to his own slumber.