Sleeping Problems

“Sleep is the golden chain that ties health and our bodies together.”

Thomas Dekker

Sleeping problems are clearly an indication of something. If you can’t sleep, you have a problem. A healthy night’s sleep is crucial to help you recover from daily activities and prepare for the next day’s activities. One adult needs more sleep than another, but if you don’t get enough sleep, the door can open to a range of problems in your personal and professional life.

The difference between a tired and a rested person

Consider that:

A tired person there

• looks depressed
• irritated
• anxious
• confused
• slow

A rested person looks

• energetic
• happy
• calm
• focused
• to the point

Sleep hygiene tips

It’s not hard to see that someone who looks depressed, anxious, or has ADHD needs a good night’s sleep. In many cases, changes in your evening routine can make a world of difference in your sleep hygiene. Some tips are:

• Make a routine – Set goals daily when you lie down to go to sleep, including when you get up. But the quickest way to reset your inner clock is to get up at the same hour every morning. The time you go to sleep may adjust itself. Make sure you also have enough time to …
• Relax – Your brain needs time to make the transition from the activity of the day to the calm you need to go to sleep. It helps to do a calming activity in preparation for a good night’s sleep. Reading is an excellent way: lying in bed prepares your body for sleep, and following a story helps you let go of everyday events. But don’t read on a computer, because you need it to …
• To unplug! – Children are not the only ones who have screen addictions. As adults, we typically have too many brain-stimulating gadgets that are so much more exciting than sleeping. Television, iPod, iPad, computer, smartphone. they all have the ability to buzz your brain, which takes you further and further away from the relaxation needed to sleep.
• Diet – Be careful with sugar and caffeine, especially within 6 hours of bedtime. Also, avoid large meals close to bedtime.
• Watch your naps – Naps can be a great way to give you a short break and restore your energy, especially in the afternoon. But keep them limited to 30 minutes or less. Longer than that, you risk falling into a deeper sleep, and staying up later, which limits your amount of sleep that you have that night. If you suffer from insomnia, it is recommended that you take your naps off.

When sleep problems don’t resolve

Sometimes sleep problems don’t easily resolve. If you continue to have trouble sleeping after following these guidelines, it could indicate a more serious problem.
See your doctor if you or a loved one diagnoses one or more of the following:

• Breathing pauses while you sleep
• Not being able to sleep through the night
• Not being able to stay awake during the day
• Unexplained decline in academic / work performance
• Unusual events during sleep: sleepwalking / talking in your sleep

The source of the problem can be medical or psychological. If your doctor states that the source of your problem is psychological, there are ways we at the Institute for Bodymind Integration can help you. Contact us for a consultation and assessment of your problem.