The Importance of Good Sleep Habits
Sleep is important. Thanks, Amy!
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How Healthy Sleep Habits Help You Manage Stress
Sleep is important. Thanks, Amy!
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How Healthy Sleep Habits Help You Manage Stress
In general, however, I consider thoughts to be more proactive and feelings more reactive. Sometimes feelings just come up, seemingly on their own. By paying closer attention to your thoughts, and how positive or negative they are, you can provide more influence over how you feel.
For more on this subject, which is related to cognitive-behavioral therapy, check out these websites:
http://www.nacbt.org/whatiscbt.htm
http://www.sleepeducation.com/Treatment.aspx?id=5
1. What is the difference between nightmares and night terrors, and what are some common causes of night terrors? Both are scary dreams for children, and may happen during times of stress, or after stressful events. Nightmares and night terrors are not typically caused by mental illness. Kids with strong imaginations and creativity may be more likely to experience them. The differences between them are: night terrors happen during deep sleep, deep enough that a child may sit up screaming with his or her eyes wide open, the child may sleepwalk. They often are inconsolable, they sometimes don’t respond to questions like “What’s wrong?” and saying, “It is okay” doesn’t really register with them. Another point: children generally do not remember the content of night terrors.
2. If your child commonly suffers from night terrors, what is something that you can do to help reduce/get rid of their night terrors? During the daytime hours, listen to your child supportively if there was a recent emotional or traumatic event; maybe invite your child to draw pictures if it is tough for him or her to talk things out at first. You can also set aside a special stuffed animal that a child can sleep with for comfort. Night terrors usually stop by themselves as the child gets older. An important note about safety is be sure to keep toddler gates on staircases, keep outside doors locked, and don’t use bunk beds.
3. Is there ever a time that you should seek medical advice for a child’s night terrors? You can talk with a child psychologist or therapist to discuss your concerns. If your child receives an injury while sleepwalking, talk with your doctor. If the night terrors or nightmares happen nightly, your doctor may want to do a sleep study on the child.
Here is a nice, straightforward resource on the subject: http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/children/parents/common/common/566.html
I have asked many clients about dreams they have, typically during intake if I think of it. Usually I ask how their sleep is overall and then ask if they have nightmares, bad dreams, or any recurring dreams. It’s the recurring dreams that get most of my attention, since I have come to believe that those dreams repeat so our mind can try to make sense of something. On the other hand, maybe our mind figured something out but we have been resisting the acceptance of it.
Anyway, I found an interesting article today that I’d like to share with you. The link is: http://www.divinecaroline.com/article/22201/62493-six-reasons-dreams , and in the article, Brie Cadman presents “Six Reasons We Have Bad Dreams”. I would offer one more: watching a disturbing or scary movie before bedtime.
I would also recommend the DivineCaroline.com site in general, since I have noticed there is quality writing about many life areas. Check it out!
So instead of fighting insomnia, switch your focus to getting rest, regardless of whether you sleep or not. Anxiety is tough to deal with, and is one of the main factors in preventing sleep. By decreasing your own anxiety and tension, you allow your body and mind to rest. Don’t get me wrong, sleep is an ideal way for the human body to recharge and reset itself. But if you can’t sleep, at least focus on relaxation. If you happen to fall asleep while relaxing, enjoy it. Either way, you’re getting some rest.
For a few ideas on how to do decrease anxiety, check out my previous post: Decreasing Anxiety .