Why Trauma Affects Sleep for Years
Why Trauma Affects Sleep for Years By Dr. Charles R. Freeman, Ph.D. Trauma affects sleep for years because the body may continue operating as if danger is still nearby, even when the traumatic event is over. That is why trauma affects sleep long after the event has ended. A person may intellectually know, “I am […]
EMDR for Trauma-Related Problems
EMDR for Trauma-Related Problems By Dr. Charles R. Freeman, Ph.D. EMDR for trauma-related problems may help when painful memories, body reactions, nightmares, shame, fear, or relationship patterns continue long after the original experience has ended. EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It is a structured trauma therapy that helps patients work with disturbing […]
Sleep Anxiety and Insomnia: Why Fear of Not Sleeping Keeps You Awake
Sleep Anxiety and Insomnia: Why Fear of Not Sleeping Keeps You Awake By Dr. Charles R. Freeman, Ph.D. Sleep anxiety can keep insomnia going because the fear of not sleeping activates the same nervous system response that prevents sleep. The person may be exhausted, but the mind starts monitoring, calculating, predicting failure, and worrying about […]
Eleven Best Foods That Help You Sleep
Eleven Best Foods That Help You Sleep By Dr. Charles R. Freeman, Ph.D. If you struggle with insomnia, you may have wondered whether certain foods can help you fall asleep faster or sleep more soundly. The answer is yes, some foods appear to support healthy sleep. However, it is important to understand that no food […]
Can EMDR Help Reduce Nightmares?
Can EMDR Help Reduce Nightmares? By Dr. Charles R. Freeman, Ph.D. Can EMDR help reduce nightmares? Yes, EMDR may help reduce nightmares when the nightmares are connected to trauma, PTSD, anxiety, or disturbing memories that the nervous system has not fully processed. EMDR does not work by trying to force the dream to stop. It […]
Foods That Help You Sleep: What to Eat Before Bed
Foods That Help You Sleep: What to Eat Before Bed for Better Sleep By Dr. Charles R. Freeman, Ph.D. If you are struggling with insomnia, you may wonder whether certain foods can help you sleep better. The short answer is yes. Some foods appear to support healthy sleep, while others can interfere with it. However, […]
What Is Sleep Coaching and Can It Help You Sleep Better?
What Is Sleep Coaching and Can It Help You Sleep Better? By Dr. Charles R. Freeman, Ph.D. You might be wondering, what is sleep coaching and can it help you sleep better? You may have come across the term “sleep coach,” but what exactly is sleep coaching, and can it actually help you sleep better? For […]
Why Can’t I Sleep When It’s Hot?
Why Can’t I Sleep When It’s Hot? By Dr. Charles R. Freeman, Ph.D. You may have trouble sleeping when it’s hot because your body needs to cool down in order to fall asleep and stay asleep. You may be asking yourself, “Why can’t I sleep when it’s hot?” When your sleeping environment is too warm, […]
When Should You Seek Help for Insomnia?
When Should You Seek Help for Insomnia? By Dr. Charles R. Freeman, Ph.D. You should seek help for insomnia when sleep problems last more than a few weeks, affect your daytime functioning, increase anxiety about bedtime, or lead you to rely more heavily on medication, alcohol, or other sleep aids. Occasional poor sleep is normal. […]
Why Can’t I Put My Phone Down at Night?
Why Can’t I Put My Phone Down at Night? By Dr. Charles R. Freeman, Ph.D. If you find yourself scrolling through your phone long after you intended to go to sleep, and keep asking yourself, “Why can’t I put my phone down at night?” the problem is often not a lack of discipline. More often, it […]