Insomnia - chronic sleeplessness - causes a range problems.
It impairs: decision making concentration problem solving thinking handling stress moderation of emotions
It is also linked with: depression and anxiety
Physical effects are: impaired immunity changes in hormone levels weight problems accelerated aging diabetes cancer high blood pressure
Avoid becoming over-anxious about going to bed and ruminating obsessively about whether or not you are going to have a good night's sleep.
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Does working shifts make sleeping problems worse?
Our whole physiology is geared up for the body/mind to be active during the day and to sleep at night, so it is no wonder that shifts cause sleep problems. Shifts put enormous strains on body and mind. Consequently, personal and family life often suffer. Family members need to take into consideration the additional stresses of shifts, however difficult! The advice for good sleep hygieneis also applicable here.
How does dreaming affect the way I sleep?
Traumatic event? If you have recently gone through a traumatic time, sleeping badly and dreaming excessively is to be expected. Your mind/body will be processing what has happened and you just need to give that some time. Learn more about the symptoms of trauma - when to seek professional helpand about healing trauma.
Duringhealthy sleep, so called 'slow-wave' sleep (restorative) and dream sleep alternate. Dreaming helps the mind to deal with the emotional arousal left over from the day's unfulfilled expectations (see Dreaming Reality- How dreaming keeps us sane, or can drive us mad, by Joe Griffin and Ivan Tyrrell 2004). Excessive worrying leads to extended periods of dreaming, when the brain is almost as active as it is during day. Longer periods of dreaming lead to less time for the restorative slow-wave sleep. You are likely to have little awareness of this, as of course we are meant to forget dreams.
What could be the cause of my insomnia?
Knowing what is at the bottom of your insomnia will help you to do something about it. You will find help with emotional problems on other pages of this site. For all of the other problems, a visit to your family doctor, if you have been already may be a start, even if to discuss a change in medication if that is a possible cause.
Emotional problems Anxiety, depression (though these can also be caused by insomnia).
Medical problems Allergies, arthritis, asthma, cancer, fibromyalgia, heart disease, hypertension, asthma, emphysema, rheumatism, hyperthyroidism, pain, among others.
Substance abuse Alcohol, cocaine, nicotine and sedatives.
Medication Among others: certain antidepressants, beta-blockers, sedatives.
The help of a Human Givens Therapist in sorting out your sleep problems can be invaluable. The therapist will use a variety of techniques/approaches, including hypnotherapy if appropriate.
Elly Prior, HG Dip P, Cert CC Relate, MHGI, MBACP (Accred) the human givens approach for personal and relationship problems Gillingham, Kent, UK Tel.: (+44) 01634 856176
