Coping with Insomnia Part 1 of 2

​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: 

1. Yoga Nidra. Yoga nidra can be an effective tool for both helping someone fall asleep, and to help get back to sleep if they wake up in the middle of the night. In addition yoga nidra is often referred to as yogic sleep, and research has shown 45 minutes of yoga nidra is equivalent to 3 hours of regular sleep. This article from Yoga Journal how yoga nidra can help you get more sleep.
2. Yoga Poses for Insomnia. Yoga has numerous health benefits including calming the mind by being more present and in our body, improving quality of sleep, and ability to fall asleep and stay asleep. This article from Yoga Journal talks about 7 yoga poses to support sleep.
3. Calming the Nervous System During the Day. It is important to find ways during the day to calm your mind and body, this may include breathwork, regular exercise, and activities of enjoyment.
4. Professional Supports. Having the right supports in place is important for recovery. This may include a Naturopath (who use a holistic approach including natural supplements to support sleep), Specialized Nutritionist in Insomnia (dietary nutrition plays and important role in sleep according to NIH), or a Massage Therapist (massage therapy has been shown to improve the quality of sleep and a person’s ability to stay asleep). Psychotherapy can also be helpful in the direct treatment of insomnia, and with potential underlying issues of anxiety, depression, or trauma. I have helped many clients over the years overcome insomnia, feel free to reach out and we can discuss how I can help.

You do not need to struggle with this on your own. I am Nicole Levy, and I am here as your helping hand, let’s get started, book your complimentary initial consult today https://www.mindfulhealingjourney.ca/#/