Insomnia & Sleep Disorders - Quick Facts

This is a long list. But it makes perfect sense. If you are not sleeping well, or long enough, all of you (brain & body) has the potential to become deregulated. Sleep is critical for brain rest, brain & body rejuvenation, processing of emotional experience, learning,… arguably everything!

Our research has found that there is one major region of the brain, and three brainwaves, involved with ‘pure brain’ insomnia. Hormones can also play a major part with females* (*biological at birth). The rest is all our fault 😉.

Long hours, high stress, eating habits, poor sleep hygiene, and of course screen time &  exposure to blue light & i-tech (interactive technology) arousal algorithms too close to bedtime are major culprits.

At Swingle Clinic we will help you weed out the behavior from the brain and help you construct a path to a good night’s sleep.

Sleep Problems and Insomnia

For sleep problems and insomnia, please book a 5 point ClinicalQ intake with Dr Mari Swingle.

About the Condition(s)

Sleep problems are extremely common, and sleep deprivation is a common part of modern life. Sometimes, sleep difficulties are simply the result of lifestyle patterns such as stress, working long hours, and irregular bedtimes, but while preventable, can become annoying, long-term difficulties with fatigue and sleeplessness that go on for years. In other people, there may be other causes, including underlying mental or physical medical conditions.

Insomnia disorder is included in the DSM-5-TR, and can involve difficulty falling asleep, remaining asleep, and difficulty falling back to sleep once awake. It causes distress and occurs at least three nights per week. Sleep apnea, repeatedly stopping and starting breathing during sleep, is also common, affecting between 10 and 30% of adults. Red flags are waking repeatedly (often gasping for breath) and snoring.

Recommended Neurofeedback Treatment

Neurofeedback is highly effective in the treatment of sleep problems, and typically involves training up the slower theta waves (3-7hz) while training down the faster beta waves (18-25hz), at the rear of the brain. In addition, abnormalities in the delta waves (1-3hz) can indicate sleep problems or sleep deprivation. SMR (sensory motor rhythm) is also classically involved. Typically, training these brainwaves is straightforward, relaxing, and pleasant.

Additional Recommended Psychological Services

Occasionally, if sleep problems do not resolve after Neurofeedback treatment, there may be underlying psychological issues, such as unresolved trauma or anxiety. Often lifestyle factors such as excessive workload, worry, and relationship difficulties can get in the way of being able to feel calm enough to fall asleep. Good sleep hygiene, including regular exercise, exposure to sunlight, and avoiding alcohol, caffeine, and other stimulating substances close to bedtime can also be helpful.

Recommended Reading

Biofeedback for the Brain