Sleep

Disturbed sleep affects relationships

During healthy sleep, so called 'slow-wave' (restorative) sleep and dream sleep alternate. Dreaming helps the mind to deal with the emotional arousal left over from the day (see Dreaming Reality - How dreaming keeps us sane, or can drive us mad, by Joe Griffin and Ivan Tyrrell 2004). If you do not have enough quality 'slow-wave' sleep and too much dream sleep (due to excessive negative introspection), you are likely to function below par, be irritable, lack motivation and generally be less able to cope with whatever is required of you.

Insomnia?

Insomnia can, amongst a range of other things, be a symptom of depression, but whatever the cause, I have collated all the information needed to help you to get back to sleeping like a baby; visit the page on natural sleeping remedies. Do give it time, but if all else fails, visit your doctor.

Working shifts?

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. Some shift patterns put enormous strains on body and mind. Consequently, personal and family life often suffer. Partners need to take into consideration the additional stresses of shifts, however difficult!

Child in your bed?

Having a small child sleeping between you, for whatever reason, is obviously going to affect the intimacy between you. Some parents make an informed decision to have their young children sleep in the same bed with them, as part of their approach to parenting. Often though, the practice 'came about' or started as an attempt to comfort the child (or the parent) during a stressful time or during illness.

If you have a young child sleeping in its own bed in your bedroom, do consider if it is ready to move if you have the space.

However, the status quo may have started or is maintained, consciously or unconsciously, to avoid dealing with a personal or sexual problem, or perhaps as a way of expressing your anger with your partner.

Whatever the problem, try to sort it so that you have a good night's sleep.

Talk to your partner
Consider consulting a couple counsellor or

a Human Givens counsellor
Ask your health visitor for help with encouraging your child back in his/her own bed
Search Amazon for books on 'sleep problems'.
For help with children who do not sleep well, contact:
Cry-is Helpline: Tel.: 020 7404 5011 Cry-sis

and

The American Sleep Association

Sleep

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.