Most of us will at some time had a bad night’s sleep.
It could have been caused by eating too late, drinking too much caffeine or having to endure the incessant noise of a car alarm.
Often sleep is caused by stress, anxiety or depression. We can struggle to get to sleep, tossing and turning as the hours pass over-analysing events or imagining worst case scenarios; even if we do initially fall asleep we may then wake up several times throughout the night and not always manage to get back to sleep or we may be able to get to sleep at our normal time but then wake up far too early in the morning.
Whatever sleep disturbance pattern you might be experiencing the consequences of a lack of sleep are real:
- reduced concentration and focus
- poor physical coordination
- lack of patience
- irritability
- lowered immune system
- weight gain
- loss of interest in hobbies
- compromised physical recovery times
- reduced performance in sport and work
- forgetfulness
It is estimated that most of us need 6-8 hours of sleep but it is not only the duration but the quality of our sleep that’s important.
We sleep in cycles and each of the 5-6 cycles we go through has several stages within in:
- Awake
- REM – the dream state
- Light
- Deep – restorative sleep
REM is important as it is during this phase of each cycle that we emotionally process the events of the day or anything that is bothering us. In effect, it’s a way of emptying our internal stress tank so that we can begin the next day feeling more optimistic and positive.
Deep sleep is restorative sleep, needed for physical rest, repair and recovery.
Unfortunately any form of sleep disturbance will result in poor quality sleep cycles and will then begin the vicious cycle of increased tiredness and continued sleep disturbance.
Sleep quality is one of the first t
hings to improve with solution focused hypnotherapy, even for clients who come for help with another issue.
If you feel you could benefit from better quality sleep then please call or email either for more information or to make an appointment.
Face-to-face appointments are available in Bristol and elsewhere via Skype/Zoom etc …. because you just can’t beat a good night’s sleep!