When Insomnia Is Not Really About Sleep
When Insomnia Is Not Really About Sleep By Dr. Charles R. Freeman, Ph.D. Sometimes insomnia is not really about sleep. The sleep problem is real, but the cause may be anxiety, trauma, perfectionism, stress, rumination, or a nervous system that has learned to stay on alert at night. Many people come to treatment after trying […]
Can Anxiety Cause Chronic Insomnia?
Can Anxiety Cause Chronic Insomnia? By Dr. Charles R. Freeman, Ph.D. Yes, anxiety can absolutely cause chronic insomnia. It can also maintain it long after the original stressor has passed. In my clinical work, I often see that people are not just struggling with sleep. They are struggling with a nervous system that has learned […]
Can Sleep Hypnosis Help Insomnia?
Can Sleep Hypnosis Help Insomnia? By Dr. Charles R. Freeman, Ph.D. Yes, sleep hypnosis may help some people sleep better if they have insomnia, especially when anxiety, tension, racing thoughts, or sleep effort are keeping the mind and body activated at night. In my previous article, “What Is Sleep Hypnosis?” I discussed at length how […]
Why Trauma Affects Sleep for Years
Why Trauma Affects Sleep for Years By Dr. Charles R. Freeman, Ph.D. Trauma affects sleep for years because the body may continue operating as if danger is still nearby, even when the traumatic event is over. That is why trauma affects sleep long after the event has ended. A person may intellectually know, “I am […]
How EMDR Works
How EMDR Works By Dr. Charles R. Freeman, Ph.D. EMDR works by helping the brain reprocess disturbing memories so they no longer feel as emotionally intense, threatening, or present in daily life. The memory is not erased. The goal is that the nervous system no longer reacts to the memory as if the danger is […]
Sleep Anxiety and Insomnia: Why Fear of Not Sleeping Keeps You Awake
Sleep Anxiety and Insomnia: Why Fear of Not Sleeping Keeps You Awake By Dr. Charles R. Freeman, Ph.D. Sleep anxiety can keep insomnia going because the fear of not sleeping activates the same nervous system response that prevents sleep. The person may be exhausted, but the mind starts monitoring, calculating, predicting failure, and worrying about […]
Can Gut Health Affect Anxiety, Inflammation, and Sleep?
Can Gut Health Affect Anxiety, Inflammation, and Sleep? By Dr. Charles R. Freeman, Ph.D. Gut health and sleep are connected, but not in the simple way often promoted online. Food does not cure chronic insomnia, anxiety, PTSD, trauma, or depression. Nutrition can support the body’s biological systems, including gut health, inflammation, blood sugar stability, immune […]
Eleven Best Foods That Help You Sleep
Eleven Best Foods That Help You Sleep By Dr. Charles R. Freeman, Ph.D. If you struggle with insomnia, you may have wondered whether certain foods can help you fall asleep faster or sleep more soundly. The answer is yes, some foods appear to support healthy sleep. However, it is important to understand that no food […]
What Is EMDR Therapy?
What Is EMDR Therapy? By Dr. Charles R. Freeman, Ph.D. EMDR therapy, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a structured trauma-focused therapy that helps people process distressing memories so the nervous system no longer reacts as strongly or automatically. EMDR does not erase the past. The goal is to reduce the emotional charge, body […]
Can EMDR Help Reduce Nightmares?
Can EMDR Help Reduce Nightmares? By Dr. Charles R. Freeman, Ph.D. Can EMDR help reduce nightmares? Yes, EMDR may help reduce nightmares when the nightmares are connected to trauma, PTSD, anxiety, or disturbing memories that the nervous system has not fully processed. EMDR does not work by trying to force the dream to stop. It […]