Paradoxical Insomnia (Sleep State Misperception): Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
Paradoxical Insomnia (Sleep State Misperception): Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment By Dr. Charles R. Freeman, Ph. D. Many people wonder, what is paradoxical insomnia? Paradoxical insomnia, also known as sleep state misperception, sleep misperception, or subjective insomnia, is a sleep disorder in which people believe they are awake for much of the night even though they […]
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 […]
How Hypervigilance Causes Sleep Problems and Insomnia
How Hypervigilance Causes Sleep Problems and Insomnia By Dr. Charles R. Freeman, Ph.D. Hypervigilance can cause sleep problems and insomnia because the nervous system stays on alert when it should be resting. A person may be physically safe in bed, but the brain and body may still be scanning for threat. This can lead to […]
Why Trauma Survivors Often Struggle With Sleep and Insomnia
Why Trauma Survivors Often Struggle With Sleep and Insomnia By Dr. Charles R. Freeman, Ph.D. Trauma survivors often struggle with sleep because the nervous system may stay alert long after the danger has passed. Bedtime can feel unsafe when the brain connects stillness, darkness, or loss of control with threat. This is not weakness. It […]
Why Does Alcohol Make Me Sleepy? The Truth About Alcohol and Sleep
Why Does Alcohol Make Me Sleepy? The Truth About Alcohol and Sleep By Dr. Charles R. Freeman, Ph.D. Some of you might be wondering, “Why does alcohol make me sleepy?” Alcohol makes you sleepy because it acts as a sedative and slows activity in the brain and nervous system. While this may help you fall […]
Understanding Benzodiazepines: Risks, Effects, and Alternatives by Dr. Charles R. Freeman Ph.D
Millions of Americans are prescribed benzodiazepines each year to manage sleep disorders and anxiety. However, emerging research indicates that the use of these medications, especially in the long term, is not without risks (Baldwin et al 2013). This post aims to provide you with updated information on benzodiazepines and equip you with the knowledge to make informed decisions about your mental health and well-being.
Sleep Promoting Nutrition
Sleep Promoting Nutrition Three of the major foundations for mental and emotional well-being are nutrition, exercise and sleep. At the core, eating healthier, sleeping well, and staying active helps you cope with and rejuvenate from daily stressful situations. In addressing sleep issues specifically, some foods interfere with good sleep hygiene and other foods can better […]