25/07/2025
Most people have the misconception that they don’t sleep that much, but in hindsight they are sleeping more than they think! The more we concern ourselves with sleep the harder it is to initiate it. Especially after suffering for more than 3-6months the psyche of that individual changes. Going to bed becomes a negative task and dread starts to set in.
There are many reasons why we cannot sleep. Often events e.g. divorce/job loss/new baby/death in the family/traumatic events cause a sudden increase in anxiety which result in a change in our sleep quality. But instead of regaining old sleep habits poor sleep continues, now because of concern about our sleep, we now also worry about the sleeping problem.
Stress and anxiety are the biggest culprits of hyper arousal which generally results in difficulties in sleep initiation or returning to sleep after awakenings during the night. This generally results in developing “fear of sleeplessness” which intensifies your emotional arousal perpetuating your insomnia, and hence a vicious cycle.
Illnesses can also be responsible for insomnia i.e. pain related and psychological problems like acute anxiety, adrenal fatigue, thyroid issues etc. Medications used to treat conditions can be an independent cause of insomnia.
Another huge factor is the fact most of us have some form of digestive issues, many caused by food sensitivities, which creates damage to the microbiome. Toxins are then released into the blood and taken into the brain, hence the gut/brain connection. All of our neurotransmitters that are found in our brain are also found in the digestive system, especially serotonin which has a huge impact on our sleep.
Bedtime Routine for those wanting structure:
Eat the evening meal earlier-it takes 2-3 hours to digest
Have a set bedtime and consistent routine-routine lets the brain know what’s coming i.e.
Turn the phone/TV etc off and charge in another room-at least30 mins before retiring
Start winding down by dimming all the lights
Hot shower/relaxing bath-change into your pyjamas etc ready for bed
Make your room ready for bedtime i.e. turn down covers, cool room if needed etc
Do a “mind dump” of the days chores incomplete or worries for following day
Make a “gratitude” list and focus on your blessings-recite these daily
If after 20 minutes you cannot sleep, try meditation, progressive relaxation or reading a book
Try different meditations, visualisations, breathing exercises and affirmations and work out what’s right for you
Need more help? Call me to make an appointment with a credited nutritionist
Annie 0447 054 394