Video Transcript: Sleep Challenges, Trauma and Holistic Sleep Therapy
Sleep Challenges, Trauma and Holistic Sleep Therapy
Video at a Glance
- Presented by: Dr. Charles R. Freeman, Ph.D., California-licensed psychologist, PSY #25414.
- Video length: 3 minutes, 2 seconds.
- Topics: Insomnia, depression, grief, trauma, medical conditions and individualized sleep treatment.
Complete Video Transcript
Background
The fact that I was both a sleep technician, did sleep research, and was a clinician at major hospitals as their primary sleep psychologist makes me uniquely qualified to treat people for insomnia, anxiety, trauma, and addiction. I have depth and breadth in my background, and this really helps me dial in an individualized program for you so that you can have sound sleep.
Insomnia and Depression
When people come in and have insomnia, depression is a very common condition they may be experiencing as well. They often go hand in hand. We are not only treating insomnia. We are also treating depression. My patients tell me that after they have completed treatment, their quality of life is much better. They feel more energized. They are more socially connected. They have better relationships. They have more energy at work. They are not coming to work late as they did before or feeling burned out at work. They are more engaged. Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia offers many benefits. It improves people’s overall emotional and physical well-being.
Grief Affecting Sleep
When we lose a loved one and we are grieving, we have experienced a very intense loss. It is very normal to have insomnia. We never completely get over losing a loved one with whom we were deeply connected. There are ways to experience less intense depression, sadness, grief, and loss. I do not only help people fall back asleep. I also help them work through grief and loss. I want to help people return to their normal lives and heal from the loss.
Trauma Affecting Sleep
When people have experienced trauma, whether they have been sexually or physically abused or have been in a war environment, these experiences can affect sleep quality. Trauma may lead to nightmares or sleep disruption. Flashbacks may come into their minds, or they may have recurring thoughts about the abuse. I treat people to help them overcome the trauma, begin to integrate the experience, and develop a different perspective.
Medical Conditions Affecting Sleep
Other medical conditions can affect insomnia. Some people have hyperthyroidism, which means that their thyroid is too active. This can lead to difficulty initiating sleep and anxiety. Other people may have hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism means that the thyroid is underactive, and this can lead to depression. Some conditions may lead to more awakenings throughout the night or more early-morning awakenings.
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