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 […]
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 […]
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 Sleep Coaching and Can It Help You Sleep Better?
What Is Sleep Coaching and Can It Help You Sleep Better? By Dr. Charles R. Freeman, Ph.D. You might be wondering, what is sleep coaching and can it help you sleep better? You may have come across the term “sleep coach,” but what exactly is sleep coaching, and can it actually help you sleep better? For […]
Why Can’t I Fall Asleep at Night? Causes and Remedies That Work
Why Can’t I Fall Asleep at Night? Causes and Remedies That Work By Dr. Charles R. Freeman, Ph.D. Many people struggle to fall asleep even when they feel tired. Lying awake at night, thinking, “Why can’t I fall asleep?” is not only frustrating but can also affect health, mood, and daytime functioning. Understanding why falling […]
Can Sugar Keep You Awake? The Connection Between Sugar and Sleep
Can Sugar Keep You Awake? The Connection Between Sugar and Sleep By Dr. Charles R. Freeman, Ph.D. Can sugar keep you awake? Many people are surprised to learn that the answer is yes. While stress and anxiety are common causes of insomnia, sugar can also affect sleep quality, energy levels, and nighttime awakenings. As a […]
Sleep Deprivation: Why One Bad Night Isn’t a Crisis
Sleep Deprivation: Why One Bad Night Isn’t a Crisis By Dr. Charles R. Freeman, Ph.D. Sleep deprivation can affect mood, concentration, energy, and overall health. However, many people with insomnia overestimate how little sleep they actually get and underestimate their ability to function after a poor night’s sleep. While chronic sleep deprivation deserves attention, one […]
Can CBT-I Help You Sleep Without Medication?
Can CBT-I Help You Sleep Without Medication? By Dr. Charles R. Freeman, Ph.D. Yes, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia, or CBT-I, can help many people sleep with less reliance on medication. CBT-I teaches the brain and body how to return to natural sleep by changing the thoughts, behaviors, habits, and nervous-system patterns that keep insomnia […]
Effects of Sleep Deprivation: How Sleep Disorders Affect Health
Effects of Sleep Deprivation: How Sleep Disorders Affect Health By Dr. Charles R. Freeman, Ph.D. In my last post, I talked about the four main categories of sleep disorders. Let’s talk about the effects of sleep deprivation on your life. Sleep disorders can affect nearly every aspect of physical and mental health. The effects of […]