It is commonly known that getting enough sleep is a vital part of maintaining or improving our health, both physical and mental.  However, there can be so many barriers to sleep in the forms of insomnia and other sleep disorders, and they are extremely challenging for those who are suffering the sleep problem, along with anyone who shares a bedroom with them.

What I intend to do is to offer some brief insight into insomnia and how hypnotherapy can help.  I won't discuss sleep disorders here as I refer those on, but I can deal with sleep-talking should anyone (adult) be struggling with that.

Regarding insomnia, statistics show that 30% of adults complain of insomnia and for 30% of these adults it is a chronic problem.

There are three kinds of insomnia and there are different experiences that insomniacs have.  Alongside these, there are a wealth of different causes.

Insomnia that is temporary and fleeting, such as in response to jet lag, bereavement, stress is called transient.

That which is related to other disorders such as depression or pain or the menopause, is called secondary.

Primary insomnia is the kind that has no known origin and is not directly related to other medical problems.

How it shows up could be that the person struggles to fall asleep, or they're waking far too early, or they're falling asleep but then waking in the night and finding it difficult to return to sleep.  Hypnotherapy is useful for all of these bed-time challenges.

Usually using behavioural approaches which address unwanted habits and behaviours, and cognitive approaches which take on unwanted thoughts and beliefs, hypnotherapy for relieving insomnia is extremely rewarding.  The process is interesting and relaxing.  Having ensured there are no medical or psychiatric reasons for the insomnia that need a referral to a G.P., and that it is safe to conduct hypnotherapy, and having learned all I can about the client's challenges then a relaxing and rewarding hypnotherapy session follows, working on relieving any stress or anxiety, particularly that that is related directly to the sleep problems, followed by reframing any unwanted behaviours and thoughts while in the hypnotic state.
When the session ends and the client is fully alert, they find themselves already feeling a lot calmer and at peace, and eager to experience an improved bedtime.

However, as a well-qualified hypnotherapist, I have been trained and choose to deliver not only hypnotherapy, but also to offer good lifestyle advice about many, if not all, of the conditions I work with.  

In relation to sleep, it can be interesting to learn what different people consider to good sleep hygiene, versus what actually is.

Where insomnia is involved, some very simple life style advice is to ensure where possible that: 

~ there is good air circulation in your sleeping area  

~ you're using natural fibres in your bedding if you're prone to over-heating

~ you're seriously reducing or better still completely eliminating screens from your 

~ sleeping area 

~ strenuous exercise activity (except for sex which is excellent for sleep) isn't occurring right before bedtime

~ only very small and healthy snacks are eaten rather than large meals right before bed, ~DO NOT try to force yourself to fall asleep!  The law of reversed effect will take hold and you will not be able to do it!  Far better to employ one or two of a variety of relaxing and sleep-inducing techniques, than to do this!  If all else is failing, get up and do something tedious (not reading or TV or podcast) until tired enough to go back to bed.

My wish for you is that you sleep well tonight, and if an adult you know is really struggling with sleep, maybe you'll consider connecting them with me. 

Sweet Dreams! 

*Image Canva April 2024