Sleep better: 3 facts you probably didn’t know about sleep

As we are in Bed awareness week this week 6-12 March, I thought I would mention what I have learned when helping people sleep better. These facts are somewhat surprising, so I thought you would benefit from looking at sleep from different angles, to help you understand the importance of restful slumber.

1. It is usually about something that is happening in your life and not about sleep itself

There are of course ways you can help yourself sleep better, and they are usually referred to as Sleep hygiene, and they include things like gentle unwinding, watching out for when you are actually tired, going to bed at regular times etc. But what is surprising is that what is going on in our lives has the most impact on quality of your sleep. Usually the more unsettled you feel, the harder it is to fall asleep. This could include major changes in your life, moving jobs, houses, family changes etc., as well as worries, about money, about what decisions to make etc. etc. This is because when you go to bed, there are no other interruptions, so you mind zooms in on what is currently important in your life.

2. Sleep is the time when your mind processes previous experiences

It is a natural state of rest and during sleep your mind is processing whatever has happened to you since the last time you were asleep. This means that if you have not had sufficient sleep time for a long period of time, your mind wouldn’t have had time to process everything it needs to process, and so it can get overloaded with information. When this happens, you can experience low moods or become quick tempered, or even confused. It is vital that this is recognised and rectified as otherwise it may have very serious health consequences.

3. Lack of sleep can make you more sensitive to things that bother you

Just like if you are under a lot of pressure, if you are tired you will be more sensitive to things, whatever it is that you are prone to be sensitive to. This is because your mind has already a lot to deal with due to being overloaded with information, and so its capacity to deal with life’s challenges is diminished. This in turn can result in feelings of even more pressure and more stress.

All these facts are here to reinforce the message that sleep is hugely important for your well-being, and so it is vital that if you notice any changes in the quality of your sleep or your coping power, you must deal with them as soon as it is possible.

If you have never tried Hypnotherapy, you may want to consider this wonderfully relaxing and natural technique that can help you unwind and cope with changes in your life in a calm way, and help you have a peaceful snooze along the way… If you are ready to deal with your sleep problems, all you have to do is call or text me on 07966151680 or email annafinn@leics-hypnotherapy.co.uk, as I am available for free informal consultations over the phone or in person…