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 […]
Why You Can’t Sleep Even When You’re Exhausted
Why You Can’t Sleep Even When You’re Exhausted By Dr. Charles R. Freeman, Ph.D. If you are tired but can’t sleep, the problem is usually not a lack of exhaustion. It is often a state of nervous-system activation. Your body may be worn down, your eyes may feel heavy, and you may be desperate for […]
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 […]
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 […]
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. […]
Can Sugar Keep You Awake? The Connection Between Sugar and Sleep
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 […]
Can CBT-I Help You Sleep Without Medication?
Can CBT-I Help You Sleep Without Medication? By Dr. Charles R. Freeman, Ph.D. Yes, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia, or CBT-I, can help many people sleep with less reliance on medication. CBT-I teaches the brain and body how to return to natural sleep by changing the thoughts, behaviors, habits, and nervous-system patterns that keep insomnia […]
Can Therapy Help You Sleep Without Medication?
Can Therapy Help You Sleep Without Medication? By Dr. Charles R. Freeman, Ph.D. Yes, therapy can help many people sleep without relying solely on medication, especially when insomnia is being driven by anxiety, trauma, stress, pain, rumination, sleep fear, or learned patterns of nighttime alertness. Medication may provide short-term relief, but therapy addresses the patterns […]
What Should You Tell Yourself After a Poor Night’s Sleep?
By Dr. Charles R. Freeman, Ph.D. What Should You Tell Yourself After a Poor Night’s Sleep? If you slept poorly last night, one of the worst things you can do is start the day with unrealistic expectations. Many people try to motivate themselves by saying, “I’m going to have an incredible day” or “I’m going to […]