Conclusion

I hope this helps someone. Many of the things I mention are things I would google and just needed to hear. Whether it was just the philosophy or hacks. But I couldn’t always find what I needed to hear. So instead, I went with my gut and just tried it. And now, the next person who googles it, will find it. 

I know this isn't easy and some of this stuff is easier said than done. It took almost two years to get to where I am now and I had so many set backs and frustrating nights. That's why I mentioned those moments, because it's stuff that I wish someone had told me. And it's an ongoing thing. I literally take sleep one night at a time. I think part of "conquering" sleep, is to recognize that it won't always be perfect and set backs are part of the process. Thinking about sleep is just a part of my life now. And part of my committed relationship with sleep is to think about it. But there are still many nights I have to work really hard to have it reciprocated. 

I'm not a very religious person but I try to be spiritual. Yes, I know that's everyone's status quo (and really, it's hard to define spirituality).  But for me, it’s making positive deep connections with the world around me, with people, with nature, and the world inside me. And without a commitment to sleep, I just can't make any of those connections. I honestly don't think I will ever really understand the meaning of life, but I do know that making sleep a priority, will get me closer.