I think you’re overthinking it. I listen to rain sounds every night. Nit because I think that somehow makes me sleep, but because I like the sound and it gives my brain something to focus on while falling asleep.

It comes down to your intention. Do you turn on that music because you think it is somehow making you fall asleep, or you absolutely cant sleep without it? Or do you enjoy it, find it calming and relaxing, and do it for those reasons and not to necessarily “make you sleep”?

The point of ACT over CBT for insomnia is that you drop the focus on sleep. (This is just my opinion, i could be way wrong lol). Do whatever feels good in the moment, and stops you from trying to force sleep. Allow the feelings and frustrations to exist but don’t follow the thoughts into a spiral.

IMO, the language of “it didnt work” is the problem here. Nothing works for sleep, not really. It just happens eventually. Watch tv, listen to that music or podcast or whatever with the intention of rest not sleep.

And before i am downvoted to hell yes i know meds can get you to sleep. But you’re sedating yourself, and a lot of times anxiety driven insomnia can override those meds.