Dr. Freeman's Blog Posts

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

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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?

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.

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A man suffering from sleep deprivation

Sleep Deprivation: Why One Bad Night Isn’t a Crisis

Sleep Deprivation: Why One Bad Night Isn’t a Crisis By Dr. Charles R. Freeman, Ph.D. Sleep deprivation can affect mood, concentration, energy, and overall health. However, many people with insomnia overestimate how little sleep they actually get and underestimate their ability to function after a poor night’s sleep. While chronic

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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

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.

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Dr. Freeman's Articles on Sleep, Trauma, and Behavioral Medicine