Insomnia is a common sleep disorder that makes it hard for you to fall asleep or stay asleep. It leads to daytime sleepiness and tiredness and you get a feeling that you have not rested enough and will not feel refreshed when you wake up. 

 

According research, approximately fifty percent of adults experience occasional insomnia. One in ten people report having chronic insomnia.

 

Insomnia can affect anyone, but it’s considerably more common in women and older adults. It can last a few days, weeks, or continue long term.  

 

Stress and Menopause  are common causes of insomnia.

 

You have Insomnia if you 

• find it hard to go to sleep

• wake up several times during the night

• lie awake at night

• still feel tired after waking up

• find it hard to nap during the day even though you're tired

• feel tired and irritable during the day

• find it difficult to concentrate during the day because you're tired

 

 

Different types of Insomnia

 

There are a few different types of insomnia. Each type is characterized by how long it lasts, how it affects your sleep, and the underlying cause.

 

Acute insomnia

 

Acute insomnia is short-term insomnia that can last from a few days to a few weeks. It’s the most common type of insomnia. 

 

Acute insomnia is also referred to as adjustment insomnia because it typically occurs when you experience a stressful event, such as the death of a loved one or starting a new job.

Along with stress, acute insomnia can also be caused by:

 

• environmental factors that disrupt your sleep, such as noise or light

• sleeping in an unfamiliar bed or surroundings, such as a hotel or new home

• physical discomfort, such as pain or being unable to assume a comfortable position

• certain medications

• illness

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Chronic insomnia

 

Insomnia is considered chronic if you have trouble sleeping at least three days per week for at least one month.

 

Chronic Insomnia can be primary or secondary. Primary chronic insomnia, which is also called idiopathic insomnia, doesn’t have an obvious cause or underlying medical condition. 

Secondary insomnia, also called comorbid insomnia, is more common. It’s chronic insomnia that occurs with another condition.

 

Common causes of chronic insomnia include:

 

• chronic medical conditions, such as diabetes, sleep apnea, Parkinson’s disease  , hyperthyroidism 

• mental health conditions, such depression, anxiety and ADHD

• medications, including Chemotherapy drugs and antidepressants  

• caffeine and other stimulants, such as alcohol, nicotine.

• lifestyle factors, including frequent travel and jet lag, shift work, and day time napping

 

Onset insomnia

 

Onset insomnia is trouble initiating sleep. This type of insomnia can be short term or chronic. 

 

Any of the causes of acute and chronic insomnia can make it difficult to fall asleep. Psychological or psychiatric issues are the most common causes. These include stress, anxiety, or depression.

 

According to a study people with chronic onset insomnia often may experience  restless leg syndrome and periodic limb movement.

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Caffeine and other stimulants can also prevent you from falling asleep.

 

Risks and side effects of insomnia

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Insomnia can cause a number of risks and side effects that affect your mental and physical health and impact your ability to function.

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Risks and side effects of insomnia include:

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• decreased performance at work or school

• increased risk of accidents

• increased risk of depression and other mental health conditions

• increased risk of chronic medical conditions, such as heart disease or Stroke 

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Why is it important to treat Insomnia? 

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Fatal insomnia has no known cure and involves progressively worsening insomnia, which leads to hallucinations, delirium, confusional states like that of dementia, and eventually death. The average survival time from onset of symptoms is 18 months.

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Treating insomnia

 

Treatment for insomnia varies and depends on the cause. You may be able to treat acute insomnia at home with an over-the-counter sleep aid or by managing stress.

 

Cognitive behavioural Hypnotherapy for treatment of Insomnia is shown to have been more effective than medication.

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The treatment includes looking into your lifestyle and sleep hygiene. The treatment typically is 4 sessions, but some may benefit from more sessions.  The treatment plan is tailor made to suit a persons Individual requirements. 

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You will be given the Recordings to listen at home in between sessions. 

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Some of the things you can start doing straight away.

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• Establish fixed times for going to bed and waking up 

• Try to relax before going to bed.

• Maintain a comfortable sleeping environment: not too hot, cold, noisy, or bright.

• Avoid napping during the day.

• Avoid caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol 6 hours before going to bed. You may even Consider complete elimination of caffeine from the diet.

• Avoid watching or checking the clock throughout the night.

• Only use the bedroom for sleep and sexual activity.

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Why Hypnotherapy ?

 

There are very good reasons to choose hypnotherapy to help you overcome insomnia. 

Around the world, millions of people have used hypnotherapy to stop smoking, alleviate stress, and deal with insomnia in a safe, effective manner. 

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Some of the things in favour of Hypnotherapy is that it is 

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Drug free: There are no drugs or medications used in hypnotherapy. This means that you fall asleep naturally and can do so again night after night thanks to this remarkable treatment. It also means that you can combine hypnotherapy with other treatments that your doctor may prescribe to get a full night’s sleep.

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Safe: No aftereffects, no drowsiness, and no issues are generally caused by hypnosis, unlike many other treatments for insomnia. This means that you go back to your normal sleep routine and not have unwanted side effects from the hypnotherapy. 

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Effective: There is little doubt that hypnosis can work, as many patients can attest. The treatment is effective and can be repeated night after night if needed to ensure that you overcome your insomnia and sleep.

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An important part of hypnotherapy for insomnia is teaching you how to relax. For some people, physical or mental tension can make sleeping difficult. A hypnotherapist may use relaxation techniques, such as progressive muscle relaxation to help reduce tension.

 

Evidence suggests that hypnotherapy is an effective intervention for treating this condition.

 

The treatment plan will be personal to you and tailor made to suit your requirements. The treatment plan and number of sessions will be discussed with you. 

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During the sessions we will teach you self-hypnosis. This can help you to develop a routine, as well as learn how to deal with your triggers causing the problem. Using hypnotherapy for insomnia at home will help you take the tools you’ve learnt in the session room into your everyday life.

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