Sleep is something we all need, some people can survive on a few hours, while others need more.
Sleep deprivation, disturbed sleep and insomnia can be torturous. Once in the habit of not sleeping, it affects other areas of a person’s life.
Sleep deprivation can lead to lack of concentration; lethargy; irritability and anxiety to name a few.
The long term affects of bad sleeping patterns we know damages our health.
1 in 3 people suffer with insomnia! That’s 33.3% of the population not getting enough sleep.
When we sleep well, our body heals, repairs and recharges. We feel good physically and emotionally and our cognition function is much clearer.
So, what help is there out there?
Medication, possibly, but long term is this a solution?
Practical Tips to improve your sleep:
Going to bed at the same time each night and awakening at the same time each day resets your body clock
A comfortable mattress and pillow to sleep on
Making sure you don’t have caffeine after 4pm
Reducing alcohol intake
Avoid television and mobile phones / technology one hour before bed. Electronic devices stimulate brain wave activity rather than quietening it down
Creating a healthy bedtime routine trains your brain to associate this routine with sleep time
Making sure your room is dark enough for sleep – the pineal gland needs darkness to promote sleep.
Your bedroom and bedding being the right temperature, not too hot or too cold
Having a warm bath before bed.
Drinking cup of warm milk or camomile tea before bed
Reading in bed can help you fall asleep more quickly
Breathing exercises to help relax you
Writing down any ruminative or unwanted thoughts on a note pad next to your bed before you sleep – you can deal with them at the appropriate time
These are all things that can help towards a good night’s sleep and most of my clients have already tried all of the above before they seek professional help.
Hypnosis is effective in helping you to get back on track with your sleep.
Making changes at the unconscious level is how hypnosis helps.
Hypnosis is a natural and safe technique.
By guiding you into a more relaxed state of mind, the body begins to let go of tension, your conscious mind begins to drift off and become less dominant, you lose the chitter-chatter, the “mind clutter” as we call it, giving the opportunity to speak directly to your unconscious mind and give you the appropriate suggestions to help you sleep.
Typically two or three sessions is enough to get you back into a healthy sleep pattern. Sessions are recorded so the client can listen to it before bed, reinforcing the suggestions to the mind and preparing it for sleep.
If you have been suffering with lack of sleep or insomnia, you may like to try hypnotherapy – please call or email me for more information.
E: penny@pennyhawkins.co.uk
T: 01892 536080
Penny Hawkins
Clinical Hypnotherapist
Specialised children’s story audio’s
Life Coach
Master NLP Practitioner
Supervisor & Personal Development Trainer