Learn how to sleep
A workshop for insomniacs
There you are, lying awake at night looking at the clock once again as the minutes and then the hours tick by. You toss and turn, you get up, you lie back down. The room temperature is just right, you’re all snug under the covers and you wish you knew why you just can’t nod off. The worst part of it all is that it will soon be time to get up and you dread the day ahead.
If you have trouble sleeping, or problems staying asleep, you’re not alone. In fact, statistics show that almost everyone will go through a phase of troubled sleep patterns at one point in their lives. Be it stress, depression, a change of environment, or even the side effect of certain medication, insomnia can be extremely draining and frustrating. While sleeping tablets may help in the short term, they’re definitely not a long term solution due to addiction and possible withdrawal symptoms.
If you suffer from lack of sleep, now is your chance to deal with the problem holistically at a sleep workshop taking place in Nicosia on Saturday. The workshop will be led by holistic therapist, Barbara Jones, who has been teaching for 30 years in the UK, Egypt and Cyprus.
“When you don’t sleep for nights on end you can feel like your life is out of control. Now is a chance to grab the reigns and take control,” says Barbara. “We are a combination of our mental, physical and spiritual self. When we just attempt to treat the physical problem with sleeping pills, the mental/emotional problems have not subsided. Holistic therapies deal with the body as a whole and people will go away feeling a lot more comfortable with them selves.”
Even those of who are currently taking meditation prescribed by a doctor will learn something from the workshop, and you may find that you can cut down on tablets with some complimentary help.
“Winter is the time when most people really need to regenerate themselves with plenty of sleep. But I find so many people complain of sleeping problems related to stress,” says Barbara. “The body is geared to work in cycles. Once sleeplessness begins it can be hard to get back into the pattern, this workshop will help put you back on track.” Don’t expect a miracle cure, but do expect to see some positive change.
The workshop will help you find the best sleeping position for you through some pre sleep exercises, as well as giving you the chance to learn how to use gentle relaxing breathing patterns. You’ll also have the chance to observe your heart rhythm and pulse before and after these breathing exercises, as Barbara explains that the whole point is for all the body’s systems to be working in unison, helping you find emotional coherence.
Barbara will also be introducing Hemi-Sync sound technology for deep sleep and relaxation. Developed by the Monroe Institute, sleep enhancing sounds are used to put you into a synchronised sleep rhythm. CDs will be available at the workshop.
Last but not least, Bach Flower Remedies can help you sleep in a natural way. The remedies include olive for deep exhaustion, while white chestnut helps quieten the mind’s chatter and thoughts that may be bothering you. “There are 38 remedies in total and I will be talking about the ones that particularly help with sleep disorders, especially the Rescue Sleep Remedies that the Bach centre has just brought out. It’s like having the tools to help you calm down despite what is bothering you,” Barbara explains.
All those wishing to take part are encouraged to wear loose, comfortable clothes, as well as taking a pillow and something to lie on for this hands-on workshop. A further workshop will be held in Limassol in April but the date has not yet been confirmed. For more information just contact the organisers and be sure to reserve a place as soon as possible.
Sleep in Comfort, Sleep with Ease
A workshop dedicated to overcoming sleep problems holistically. February 23. 27 Gladstone St, Ayios Andreas, Nicosia. 1.15 pm for 1.30pm- 6pm with breaks. €65.
Tel: 25 222032/ 99 335984. [email protected]
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Handy tips for a better night’s sleep:
l Do not nap during the day no matter how tired you are as you will throw off your body clock and make it even more difficult to sleep at night
l Limit caffeine and alcohol. Although alcohol may initially act as a sedative, it can cause interrupted sleep patterns throughout the night
l Exercise early in the day. Twenty to 30 minutes of exercise a day can help you sleep, but be sure to exercise in the morning or afternoon. Exercise stimulates the body and aerobic activity before bedtime can make falling asleep more difficult
l Keep a regular schedule. Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time everyday, even at the weekend. Keeping a regular schedule will help your body expect sleep at the same time every day
l Incorporate bedtime rituals. Listening to soft music or sipping on a cup of camomile tea cues your body that it’s time to calm down and prepare for bed
l Bedtime snacks can really help. An amino acid called tryptophan, found in milk, turkey and peanuts, helps the brain produce serotonin – a chemical that makes you relax
l Jot down all your concerns and worries before you get to bed. Anxiety excites the nervous system and can lead to night on end with poor sleep. Write down your worries and possible solutions before bed and then ‘put them away’ so you don’t need to ruminate in the middle of the night
l Go to bed only when you are sleepy and not simply because it’s getting late. If you can’t sleep, get up and do something relaxing. Worrying about sleep will only make the problem much worse
