Building on last weeks blog about insomnia, I wanted to create a two part series for insomnia considering this time of year. Health Central talks about insomnia being more of an issue for many in the winter months. There is also a correlation between SAD also know as “winter blues” and insomnia, Sleep Education speaks more to this connection; and if you are experiencing SAD check out my previous SAD blog article to support the symptoms.  Please find 4 tips to support better sleep below: 

​Insomnia creates difficult ripple affects in many areas of a person’s life, including increase in anxiety and depression, more susceptible to stress, less energy and motivation, difficulty focusing, and more irritability. Insomnia can include difficulty falling asleep, difficulty staying asleep, and/or waking too early in sleep. According to Stats Canada, insomnia is the most common sleep disorder, with 10-15% of the population experiencing symptoms of insomnia that impact their daily functioning, and 25% of adults not satisfied with their sleep. However there is hope, with the right tools, small adjustments to daily habits, and supports people recover and have better sleep. Please find a few key things to consider below: 

Suicidal thoughts also referred to as suicidal ideations are significantly higher now than pre-pandemic times according to Stats Canada. According to the Canadian Government, 12 people die from suicide every day in Canada, more than 200 people will attempt suicide, and many more experiences thoughts of suicide or suicide attempts. There are many resources out there, this article is designed for adults experiencing suicidal thoughts, if you are looking for support with children/teen with suicidal thoughts please refer to this article. Please find a few key things to consider below: 

​Slowing down seems counter-intuitive for many, as we have become so familiar with the busyness of everyday lives. This is also a time of year that nature reflects to us the importance of slowing down, quietude and going within; we can draw from this season's deep significance. Please find below some considerations for slowing down:

​With the New Year upon us, there is new energy and new motivation for many. Some dive head first into their resolutions or goals, and some choose other ways to set intentions. Either way it can be helpful to set smaller tangible goals that you can build on, and also receive the reinforcement from your actions that you are capable of maintaining this. Please find below some considerations for supporting yourself in establishing new habits: