A few nights ago I went to bed an hour later than my usual routine and fell asleep thinking about the busy day ahead of me. Several hours later, around 3:00 a.m., I woke up with my mind in a whirl of stress and worry. What if tomorrow goes wrong? What if I forget something important? What will be the outcome and impact of the upcoming election? What if there is a power failure tomorrow and the internet is down? When will the pandemic ever end? What if I can’t get back to sleep now?
Insomnia is defined as difficulty getting to sleep or staying asleep long enough to feel refreshed the next morning. Some common symptoms of insomnia include:
· Being awake for long periods at night
· Not being able to fall asleep
· Waking up several times during the night
· Waking up very early and being unable to get back to sleep
· Feeling tired and groggy the next morning
· Finding it difficult to concentrate or function properly
· Feeling irritable
Insomnia is a significant problem for many of my clients. For some it is debilitating, for others it is an annoyance. When it becomes a significant problem, we can address it effectively through a few focused hypnotherapy sessions.
We start by developing an evening ritual. What makes you feel relaxed and restful? I usually suggest cutting out violent television and the news close to bedtime. Watching a comedy or reading are good activities for just before bed. It’s important to stick to a ritual so that your mind and body become accustomed to knowing that it is bedtime. You will get a personalized recording that you can play the help to drift off to sleep easily. You will also develop a personal anchor to your naturally relaxed state that you can use to get back to sleep if needed.
As I lay in bed at 3:00 unable to sleep, I was clearly experiencing an episode of insomnia. I decided to take my own advice to my insomnia clients: Focus on your anchor, your special place that always makes you feel good, positive and happy. I went to my favorite beach in my head and imagined sitting there with my son and grandson. I remembered what time of day it was, what the temperature was, the sounds and the smells of that special day. Before I knew it, the sun was peeking through the window and I had had a good night’s sleep after all.
If you would like some tools and training to help you get a good night’s sleep, please call 818-929-4944 to arrange for a free, private, personal, online consultation.