CHRISTINE M. VALENTíN

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  • Home
  • About Me
  • Services
    • Individual Play Therapy
    • Family Play Therapy
    • Adult Therapy
    • Single Mom Support Group for Women of Color
    • Summer Camp for Parents 2023
    • Video Counseling
  • Location & Hours
  • Fees & Insurance
  • Blog
  • Contact Me
  • Privacy Practices Notice

How Are You Sleeping?

10/12/2014

2 Comments

 
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One question I always make a point to ask many of my clients is, "How are you sleeping?" My main reason for doing so is to gain more insight in to what troubles or issues they may be experiencing as the result of their sleeping pattern. It is also to identify any worries or fears they may not realize they are having. The three sleep patterns that often give me an indication of an underlying problem are:

1) Trouble falling asleep - the inability to fall asleep can manifest in many different ways ranging from tossing and turning to feeling "worked up," "fully alert" or anxious. Some common culprits that can account for difficulty falling asleep can be light emanating from electronic devices like a television, a laptop, an LCD clock radio, etc. Other culprits like outside noise, an uncomfortable temperature (i.e too hot, too cold), sleeping arrangements (i.e. snoring partner, uncomfortable pillows, etc.) can also impact the ability to fall asleep. If you believe any of the aforementioned may be an issue, try experimenting with shutting off the electronics, adjusting the room temperature to one that is comfortable for you, and if possible, modifying your sleeping arrangements. 


2) Trouble Staying Asleep - the inability to stay asleep can often present itself by causing a person to wake up at various hours of the night often with a sense of panic or feeling fully alert. For many of my clients, the root cause is anxiety.  Depending on a person's specific situation, my recommendation often entails having clients journal their thoughts, turning around their clocks so as to prevent any additional worry that can result from keeping track of how many hours they have left to sleep, and/or breathing exercises.

3) Sleeping Too Much - if the desire to stay in bed all day is combined with a sense of despair, gloom, and/or lack of motivation that are atypical of your usual routine, then it is important to identify whether depression may be to blame. Any changes in sleep, eating, weight and mood can be indications of a serious problem which need to be addressed so as to prevent it from getting worse. To learn more on how to get help for depression or to  help someone who is depressed, click here.

Overall, it is my belief that sleep is an extremely powerful tool that can help us restore the energy we have used up throughout the day. I also personally believe it can help our recovery process, improve our mood and can provide insight in to what we may be struggling with. So, how are you sleeping and what are your personal thoughts about its importance for your well-being? Feel free to share below.

2 Comments
Paul Turner
10/15/2014 08:18:47 am

It's been a long time since I had a "full night's sleep". This is mainly due to having to use the bathroom once or twice a night. Until reading your blog, I never considered the reason to be anxiety-related. I know I have a benign enlarged prostate, so I figured that has always been the reason. However, as I do take medication for OCD(as well as see a psyocherapist like yourself), I may now begin to wonder if anxiety can be a cause, as well. As I am currently unemployed, I like to nap in the early afternoon.
Given different life situations in the future, I expect my sleep habits will be different, and I suppose that the challenge will be to see how I feel about the differences.

Reply
Christine M. Valentin link
10/20/2014 04:17:54 am

Hi Paul, thanks for stopping by and sharing your situation. I would definitely encourage you to address your sleeping concerns with your therapist so that he/she may look into any concerns you have further. Thanks again and I hope you get some good sleep soon.

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    Christine M. Valentín

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This Site is not intended to provide psychotherapy advice. The Site is intended only for use by individuals in search of general information of interest pertaining to anxiety, depression and related topics. Content is not intended to replace or serve as substitute for professional consultation or service. Contained observations and opinions should not be misconstrued as specific counseling advice.
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