Sleep really is is a Super Power!
The importance of a good night’s sleep can not be underestimated! A good night’s sleep is so important for our overall health and wellbeing. We need to sleep to be able to be mentally alert, feel rested, fight infection and feel calm, confident & in control.
When we feel stressed or anxious, from our busy work schedules, family life or just coping with life’s ups & downs, our sleep is often the first thing that suffers, which then leads us to feel even more stressed and overwhelmed.
There is no single definitive reason why we sleep, however the latest research confirms that there are some really important processes which take place when we do sleep, including consolidating memory and learning and ‘cleaning up’ our brains after all the busy activity in the day.
There are various phases which we cycle through during our time asleep. The brain normally reduces stress levels during part of our sleep cycle called Rapid Eye Movement, or REM sleep. During this phase, brain activity is similar to when we are awake.
It is during our REM sleep phase when most dreams happen. The full purpose of dreaming is not known, however it is believed to be when our brains process and make sense of the events of the day. REM is also important for emotional processing and brain development.
Unfortunately REM is limited to 20 – 25 % of our sleep pattern, so if there is a lot of perceived stress in your life, then you quickly use up the REM, and, as a result, you may find that you wake up and struggle to return to sleep. REM is often the sleep phase which is ‘sacrificed’ if you have disturbed sleep, and as such you don’t wake up feeling refreshed.
Solution Focused Hypnotherapy – How can it help?
Solution Focused Hypnotherapy helps by reducing your stress and allowing good restful sleep to return, especially improving your time spent in ‘REM sleep’. This helps you get a good night’s sleep, to wake up refreshed and ready to take on the day!
Hypnotherapy is named after ‘Hypnos’ the Greek god of sleep, as in a therapy session we use hypnosis and this state of deep of relaxation so your subconscious is responsive to positive suggestions.
Hypnotherapy can really help with insomnia and sleep issues – I have helped clients who came to me with long term sleep issues, and found that hypnotherapy really did make a big difference. Please take a look at the testimonial pages for details of their reviews. Improved, Restful Sleep Overcoming Long Term Sleep Issues
Regardless of the condition you come to hypnotherapy for, most clients report improved sleep too!
What else can you try to improve your sleep?
Alongside reducing stress through hypnotherapy, you can improve your sleep through good ‘sleep hygiene’
Both your bedroom environment and daily routine and behaviours are important. You may find some of the points below of benefit to you.
- Have a Comfortable Mattress and Pillow
- Set a Cool Yet Comfortable Temperature
- Block Out Light or Dim Your Lights: Try to keep away from bright lights because they can hinder the production of melatonin, a hormone that the body creates to facilitate sleep.
- Drown Out Noise: Ear plugs can stop noise from keeping you awake, or Listen to a suitable relaxation audio (Every client gets access to my relaxation audio!)
- Try Calming Scents: Light smells, such as lavender may induce a calmer state of mind and help cultivate a positive space for sleep.
- Keep your routine consistent & practice healthy daily habits
- Budget 30 Minutes For Winding Down: Take advantage of whatever puts you in a state of calm such as soft music, light stretching, reading, and/or relaxation exercises.
- Unplug From Electronics: Build in a 60 minute pre-bed buffer time that is device-free.
- Try Methods of Relaxation: Instead of making falling asleep your goal, it’s often easier to focus on relaxation. Meditation, mindfulness, breathing patterns, and other relaxation techniques can put you in the right mindset for bed.
- Get Daylight Exposure: Light, especially sunlight, can encourage quality sleep.
- Be Physically Active: Regular exercise can make it easier to sleep at night.
- Don’t Smoke: Nicotine stimulates the body in ways that can disrupt sleep.
- Reduce Alcohol Consumption: Alcohol may make it easier to fall asleep, but the effect wears off, disrupting your sleep patterns later in the night.
- Cut Down on Caffeine, especially in the Afternoon and Evening: Because it’s a stimulant, caffeine can keep you alert, even when you want to rest. Try caffeine free or herbal/ fruit tea alternatives.
- Don’t eat late: Eating a meal late, can mean you’re still digesting when it’s time for bed.
- Restrict In-Bed Activity: To build a link in your mind between sleep and being in bed, avoid watching TV or using electronics.
Some of these may be beneficial to you and small steps can help. If you have long term sleep issues, please speak to your doctor or take professional advice.
I am delighted to be giving a talk on ‘How our brains work and the importance of good sleep on our health and wellbeing’ at the wonderful ‘Land of Beds’ showroom in Helsby. http://www.landofbeds.co.uk
Attendees can also get the opportunity to experience a deep relaxation session on their wonderful comfortable beds. The event is on the 18th January 2024 from 6.30 pm to 7.30 pm. Please see ‘workshops and classes’ tab. It would be lovely to see you there!
Please also see the attached blog on stress and sleep from the ‘Land of Beds’ Website
I am so excited to be launching a website as a resource for you to know about Solution Focused Hypnotherapy but more importantly what this therapy can help you with!