How Changing Your Behaviors Changes Your Sleep
You might be wondering, is it true that changing your behavior can affect your sleep? And the answer is “yes,” this result can be achieved by applying Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). CBT includes changing thoughts and behaviors around health, sleep, anxiety, depression, etc. Let’s say you tell yourself “I have to sleep tonight, or I’ll have a horrible night” or “I didn’t sleep last night, I HAVE to sleep well tonight.” You’ll have more positive results if you change these negative thoughts with Positive Psychology and mantras into what you WANT to manifest.
I often start by teaching my patients and clients the correct behaviors around sleep (Sleep Hygiene) like:
- no alcohol right before sleep
- cool and dark enough room
- winding down prior to sleep
Correct sleep hygiene behaviors are all over the internet and they are very helpful. By itself, it’s not sufficient for you to obtain sound sleep. In my practice, I also incorporate hypnosis and other energy work to heal a variety of health challenges. Insomnia is just the tip of the iceberg, it’s simply a symptom. The underlying issue might be trauma, complex types of anxiety conditions, depression, Type-A behavior, burning it at both ends and an unwillingness to wind-down prior to bed. It might also be grief and loss, and medical conditions like pain, thyroid over/under activation, CFS/Fibro, Lyme’s disease, Cancer, and more.
I’ve had extensive positive results using these techniques as a psychologist and a wellness and executive coach. I’ve worked with executives going through all the above issues to create more balance and joy, and less anxiety, anger, and depression. This results in improved mental clarity and productivity, and an overall increase in the quality of life.
About the Author
Dr. Charles R. Freeman, Ph.D., is a psychologist specializing in insomnia, sleep disorders, PTSD, anxiety, trauma, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I). He has more than 25 years of experience helping individuals improve sleep, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life through evidence-based treatment approaches. If you would like to learn more about treatment options or schedule a consultation, please contact Dr. Freeman.
The information in this article is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical or psychological advice. Individual circumstances vary, and readers should consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding their specific concerns.
