What is Insomnia?

Everyone is different and varies in the optimum amount of sleep that they need to function well day to day. A healthy adult would usually require between 7-9 hours sleep on average per night.

You could be suffering from insomnia If you are;

• struggling to get enough sleep

• finding you have difficulty dropping off to sleep

• lying awake for hours

• find that you wake up in the middle of the night for no apparent reason and can’t get back to sleep

…if any (or all) of these continues for more than a few nights in a row, then it is going to affect how well you function and how good you feel during the day.

Why seeking help with Insomnia is important.

Long term sleep deprivation is bad for both our physical and our mental health and can cause the following:

• Fatigue and lack of motivation

• Low Mood and irritability; increase the risk of Depression

• Decreased sex drive

• Issues with learning, concentration, and memory.

• Lack of creativity and problem-solving skills; difficulty making decisions

• Stress, harder to regulate and manage emotions

• Premature skin aging

• Weakened immune system; weight gain

• Impaired motor skills and increased risk of accidents; hallucinations and delirium

• Increased risk of serious health issues such as high blood pressure, stroke, heart disease, Alzheimer’s, diabetes and some cancers

What Causes Insomnia?

Not getting enough sleep is linked with increased feelings of depression and anxiety. It can be triggered by various life events or can be linked with other mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.

This can lead to a vicious cycle, in that the lack of sleep exacerbates the feelings of anxiety and depression, which then in turn exacerbates the insomnia.

There is a very small percentage of the population - just 3% of us, that are able to function well on 6 hours sleep a night but for the majority of people this just isn’t enough.

OTHER Sleep Related Issues.

Insomnia is not the only sleep related issue that Hypnotherapy can be effective in overcoming, it is also useful in understanding and overcoming the following Sleep Issues;

Sleepwalking - Often most common in childhood, it can still affect adults, the individual walks around and can perform other actions with their eyes open, seemingly as if they are awake but they are in fact still asleep. Often they will have no memory of it on waking again in the morning. In severe cases there can be risk to health from accidents, it can be exacerbated by stress, alcohol and some medications.

Sleep Paralysis - This sleep phenomena can be quite terrifying, it occurs when a your mind awakens but it is as if your body is still asleep and you are unable to move, it can often be accompanied by visions or the feeling of falling very fast. The effects do not last too long and cause no lasting issue despite being distressing in the moment. As with sleep walking it can be exacerbated by stress, alcohol and some medications.

Restless Leg Syndrome - This is a condition of the nervous system, characterised by an irresistible urge to move the legs. It is a common disorder that is usually more noticeable at night. The symptoms can range from mild to severe, causing exhaustion and considerable distress in the worst cases.

Nightmare Disorder - This is the occurrence of frequent and/or recurring nightmares which are extremely vivid and can often include a threat to life. On waking you will retain clear memories of the content of the dream for some hours or even days.

Night Terrors - More extreme than the experience of a nightmare, the individual may experience extreme panic and confusion - often crying out or shouting and so appearing awake - but will then often return to normal sleep quite quickly. They may also have no memory of the episode on waking.

How can Hypnotherapy help me overcome Insomnia and other Sleep issues?

Hypnotherapy when combined with Psychotherapy is very effective at treating Insomnia and sleep issues. It enables access to the unconscious mind, bypassing any conscious blocks we may have developed as coping strategies over the years.

I am an integrative Hypno-Psychotherapist, using a mind-body, holistic approach with Solution Focused techniques we will look at how and why you are experiencing difficulties sleeping.

I have a variety of tools & techniques that we can use to help you explore safely and ecologically, the root causes of your Insomnia or other sleep issue and also create a sleep hygiene routine that works for you, which may include no screens in the bedroom, black out blinds or an eye mask and I also can provide you with a bespoke recording to help you drop off to sleep easily.

If you - or someone you know - needs help with Insomnia or other sleep issues.

I work with clients online and I am located close to Esher, Surbiton, Leatherhead, Epsom, Kingston-upon-Thames and Weybridge.

If you would like to find out more about how we can work together to help you regain a healthy sleeping pattern please drop me an email or give me a call to book a free consultation.

Emergency Support

If you or a loved one is experiencing a mental health crisis it is vital you access the right support as soon as possible. Below are some ways in which you can access expert advice and assessment.

Samaritans - call 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org

A free and confidential 24/7 helpline for anyone in emotional crisis or distress, feeling suicidal or feeling unable to cope.

NHS 111

Call the NHS on 111 or use the online service to access support - If you feel yourself or a loved one is in immediate danger then please call 999.