Why Can’t I Put My Phone Down at Night?

Why can't I put my phone down at night? A woman lies awake in bed holding a smartphone while her partner sleeps beside her.

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 […]

Why Insomnia Often Becomes a Habit

A calm adult in a therapy office learning how CBT-I treats chronic insomnia and sleep anxiety

Why Insomnia Often Becomes a Habit By Dr. Charles R. Freeman, Ph.D. Insomnia often becomes a habit because the brain and body can learn to associate bedtime, the bed, or nighttime waking with alertness instead of sleep. After enough nights of frustration, clock watching, worry, or fear, the nervous system begins preparing for another bad […]

Paradoxical Insomnia (Sleep State Misperception): Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Person lying awake in bed at night, representing paradoxical insomnia and sleep state misperception

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 […]

How CBT-I Treats Chronic Insomnia

A calm adult in a therapy office learning how CBT-I treats chronic insomnia and sleep anxiety

How CBT-I Treats Chronic Insomnia By Dr. Charles R. Freeman, Ph.D. How CBT-I treats chronic insomnia is practical: it changes the thoughts, behaviors, sleep schedules, and nervous-system patterns that keep insomnia going. It does not simply give you more sleep hygiene rules. CBT-I helps retrain the brain and body so the bed becomes associated with […]

Why Sleeping Pills Sometimes Stop Working

Why sleeping pills sometimes stop working

Why Sleeping Pills Sometimes Stop Working By Dr. Charles R. Freeman, Ph.D. Many people begin taking sleeping pills, sleep pills, sleeping tablets, or other medication for insomnia and experience significant improvement. Over time, some find that their insomnia medications become less effective, leading them to wonder why their sleep problems have returned. The people start […]

Finding a Sleep Therapist in San Diego

Sleep therapist in San Diego office for Dr. Charles R. Freeman, The San Diego Sleep Doctor in Mission Valley

Finding a Sleep Therapist in San Diego By Dr. Charles R. Freeman, Ph.D. If you are looking for a sleep therapist in San Diego, Dr. Charles R. Freeman, Ph.D., is known as The San Diego Sleep Doctor for his extensive work treating chronic insomnia, nightmares, PTSD, trauma, anxiety, and sleep medication concerns. His office is […]

What Is CBT-I? A Complete Guide to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia

Man with chronic insomnia reviewing a sleep journal as part of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I).

What Is CBT-I? A Complete Guide to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia By Dr. Charles R. Freeman, Ph.D. CBT-I for insomnia (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia) is considered the gold standard treatment for chronic insomnia. CBT-I for insomnia helps people identify and change the thoughts, behaviors, habits, and nervous system patterns that contribute to sleep diffisulties. […]

Why Do I Wake Up at 3 A.M. Every Night?

A tired adult awake in bed wondering why they wake up at 3 A.M. every night

Why Do I Wake Up at 3 A.M. Every Night? By Dr. Charles R. Freeman, Ph.D. If you wake up at 3 A.M. every night, your nervous system, stress hormones, sleep rhythm, pain, trauma history, or nighttime anxiety may be keeping your brain alert when your body should stay asleep. Alcohol, medication rebound, depression, chronic […]

Why Can’t I Fall Asleep at Night? Causes and Remedies That Work

Why can't I sleep at night

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

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 […]