Tag: childhood

Why Childhood Criticism Can Affect Adult Sleep

Adult woman reflecting on childhood criticism while holding an old handwritten note beside a clear framed photo of her parents.

Why Childhood Criticism Can Affect Adult Sleep By Dr. Charles R. Freeman, Ph.D. Childhood criticism can affect adult sleep because the nervous system may learn to stay alert for judgment, conflict, disappointment, or rejection. Years later, that same alert system can show up at night as insomnia, rumination, early-morning waking, and difficulty relaxing. Many adults […]