Tag: and

Can Sugar Keep You Awake? The Connection Between Sugar and Sleep

Middle-aged woman in pajamas standing in a kitchen at night, holding a sugary snack and wondering if sugar can affect sleep and cause insomnia

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

Hypervigilance and sleep problems shown by an anxious woman scanning a dim hallway, representing trauma-related insomnia and nighttime alertness

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

Trauma survivor speaking with a therapist in a calm office, representing trauma-related insomnia, hypervigilance, and sleep recovery

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

Open beer bottle and glass of beer showing how alcohol affects sleep quality and causes fatigue

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.

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 […]