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 […]
Why You Can’t Sleep Even When You’re Exhausted
Why You Can’t Sleep Even When You’re Exhausted By Dr. Charles R. Freeman, Ph.D. If you are tired but can’t sleep, the problem is usually not a lack of exhaustion. It is often a state of nervous-system activation. Your body may be worn down, your eyes may feel heavy, and you may be desperate for […]
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 […]
ADHD and Sleep: Why Children Have Sleep Problems and Bedtime Battles
ADHD and Sleep: Why Children Have Sleep Problems and Bedtime Battles By Dr. Charles R. Freeman, Ph.D. Children with ADHD often have sleep problems because the same nervous system difficulties that affect attention, impulse control, emotional regulation, and hyperactivity can also interfere with sleep. Some children cannot slow their minds down at night. Others have […]
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 […]
Foods That Help You Sleep: What to Eat Before Bed
Foods That Help You Sleep: What to Eat Before Bed for Better Sleep By Dr. Charles R. Freeman, Ph.D. If you are struggling with insomnia, you may wonder whether certain foods can help you sleep better. The short answer is yes. Some foods appear to support healthy sleep, while others can interfere with it. However, […]
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 Sleep When It’s Hot?
Why Can’t I Sleep When It’s Hot? By Dr. Charles R. Freeman, Ph.D. You may have trouble sleeping when it’s hot because your body needs to cool down in order to fall asleep and stay asleep. You may be asking yourself, “Why can’t I sleep when it’s hot?” When your sleeping environment is too warm, […]