Trouble sleeping? Perhaps that clutter is the problem.

From time to time I work with insomniacs. Generally they are at the end of their tether, drugs based remedies have either failed or are causing side effects and at last they reach out for the "weird" solution of hypnosis.

By this time the problem is often deeply embedded and multi-faceted. The clients body clock is out of whack, they use stimulants during the day to stay alert because they have had little sleep the night before. relationships are often strained because of the poor sleeping patterns and depression may have set in too.

Where do you start?

Simple things first;

• Cut out all the caffeine (gradually) so that's tea, coffee, cola, Red Bull and similar drinks
• Check your diet; a poor diet won't help. Make it fresh and varied
• Consider taking a multi-vitamin tablet and cod liver oil supplement (there are vegan alternatives too)
• Go to bed early! Go to bed early! Go to bed early! Yes 10pm at the latest.
• Set the alarm clock for 7am and get up when it goes off. Regardless of how little sleep you may think you have had.
• Drink plenty of water throughout the day (or fruit juice) stay well hydrated. It will tend to lower overall anxiety
• If you can't sleep in the middle of the night get up and do something useful away from the bedroom for an hour or two (dishes anyone?)
• If your partner is disturbed by your night time excursions, get them ear plugs. That way you won't be fretting about disturbing them.
• Take the TV out of the bedroom. Yes really. The bedroom is for sleeping in. (well some other stuff too)
• Leave the laptop or iPad outside the bedroom, the white light in the screen backlight has been shown to disrupt sleep hormone patterns
• Yes you are allowed a book. Just one to read in bed.

Got unresolved emotional issues too? Get them dealt with!

Now one last thing...remove any clutter or unfinished work from the bedroom.

Why?

Because it can act as a visual trigger to the unconscious mind. A reminder that "I must get that done" and that will set mental processes running that are likely to stop you getting to sleep.

In my experience there is no really fast remedy for insomnia. It is a process of following the right steps consistently over time but most of my clients have responded well within 6 to 7 weeks of adopting this approach. Try it for yourself.

PS You could also buy this CD from my web site; that'll help too.

Sleep Easy my guide journey to sleep CD