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Insomnia Causes

When it comes to insomnia, it is crucial to understand the underlying causes and mechanisms in order to effectively address and manage this condition. Insomnia is not just a psychological experience but also a physiological one.

When a person experiences insomnia, their body’s normal sleep-wake cycle is disrupted, leading to difficulties falling asleep or staying asleep. This disruption can be caused by various factors, including stress, anxiety, depression, medical conditions, and certain medications.

Specific Causes Of Insomnia

Insomnia is a complex condition with many potential causes. The specific causes of insomnia can vary from person to person and may be influenced by a variety of biological, psychological, and environmental factors.

The resulting physical and psychological symptoms of insomnia can be severe, impacting an individual’s daily life and functioning. Insomnia has been linked to various negative outcomes, including decreased work performance, increased risk of accidents, and an increased risk for mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression.

Effective treatment and management of insomnia require a comprehensive approach that addresses the root causes of the condition, as well as any related physical or mental health issues. This might include medication, cognitive behavioural therapy, relaxation techniques, and lifestyle changes such as improving sleep hygiene and reducing stress.

Stress and Anxiety

One common cause of insomnia is stress and anxiety. When we experience stress or anxiety, our bodies release hormones that can interfere with sleep, making it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep. Chronic stress or anxiety can lead to long-term insomnia if left untreated. It’s important to know that this can happen gradually over time in a way that we might not associate our stressors with our sleep issues.

Underlying Medical Condition

 Other potential causes of insomnia include underlying medical conditions, such as sleep apnea, chronic pain, or restless leg syndrome. These conditions can cause discomfort or pain that makes it difficult to fall or stay asleep.

Medications or Substances

Certain medications or substances can also cause insomnia. For example, stimulants such as caffeine or nicotine can interfere with sleep, as can some prescription medications, including some antidepressants and steroids.

Environmental Factors

Environmental factors, such as noise or light pollution, can also contribute to insomnia. For example, people who work night shifts or who are exposed to bright screens before bed may be at higher risk for insomnia.

Primary insomnia

Primary insomnia is a type of insomnia that occurs without any clear or identifiable cause. It is often diagnosed after other potential causes of insomnia have been ruled ou

The Full Scope Of Insomnia

Insomnia is a sleep disorder that is characterised by difficulty falling or staying asleep. It can occur in a variety of forms and can range in severity from mild to chronic. The full scope of insomnia encompasses a wide range of symptoms, causes, and treatment options.

In terms of symptoms, insomnia can manifest in different ways. Some people may have difficulty falling asleep, while others may wake up frequently during the night or wake up early in the morning and be unable to fall back asleep. Insomnia can also cause fatigue, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and other symptoms that can interfere with daily activities.

Insomnia can have a variety of causes, including medical conditions, such as sleep apnea or restless leg syndrome, as well as psychological factors, such as stress, anxiety, or depression. Certain medications or substances, such as caffeine or alcohol, can also cause or worsen insomnia.

In terms of treatment options, there are several approaches to managing insomnia. Behavioural therapies, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), can be effective in helping individuals establish healthy sleep habits and manage stress and anxiety. Medications, such as hypnotics or sedatives, may also be prescribed to help promote sleep, although they should be used with caution and only under the supervision of a healthcare provider.

The full scope of insomnia also includes the impact that it can have on an individual’s quality of life. Chronic insomnia can be a debilitating condition that can interfere with work, relationships, and overall health. It can increase the risk of accidents, such as falls or car crashes, and may contribute to the development of other health problems, such as depression or anxiety.

Severn Clinics Supports Successful Holistic Care Of

ANXIETY

TRAUMA

DEPRESSION

ADD & ADHD

PTSD

INSOMNIA

FIBROMYALGIA

MOOD DISORDERS

OCD

STRESS

CHRONIC PAIN

CHRONIC FATIGUE

Severn Clinics Supports Successful Holistic Care Of

FIBROMYALGIA

CHRONIC PAIN

DEPRESSION

ANXIETY

STRESS

OCD

PTSD

TRAUMA

INSOMNIA

ADD & ADHD

CHRONIC FATIGUE

MOOD DISORDERS

The Biology Of Insomnia

The key to understanding how to treat insomnia is understanding how it is really caused in the body.

Insomnia is often linked to disruptions in the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle, which is regulated by a complex system of hormones, neurotransmitters, and other physiological processes.

One of the primary factors that contribute to insomnia is an imbalance in the levels of certain neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and melatonin. These chemicals play a key role in regulating the body’s sleep-wake cycle and are often disrupted by stress, anxiety, or other psychological factors.

Other biological factors that can contribute to insomnia include medical conditions, such as chronic pain or sleep apnea, which can interfere with sleep. Hormonal imbalances, such as those that occur during menopause, can also contribute to insomnia.

Understanding the underlying biology of insomnia is critical to developing effective treatments. For example, medications that target specific neurotransmitters, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), can be effective in treating insomnia that is linked to imbalances in these chemicals.

Similarly, treatments that target specific medical conditions, such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy for sleep apnea, can be effective in treating insomnia that is caused by underlying health issues.

Overall, the biology of insomnia is complex and multifaceted, and effective treatment requires a thorough understanding of the underlying physiological and psychological factors that contribute to this condition. With a comprehensive approach that takes into account all of the relevant factors, many people with insomnia can achieve significant improvements in their sleep quality and overall quality of life.

Session Selection

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Individual Session

A single session is perfect if you need a little mental relaxation during moments of heighten stress. Ideal to help combat the effects of, or prepare for a busy week.

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Course Of Sessions

We recommend a course of sessions if you are looking at supporting a specific outcome. A course typically lasts five or ten weeks, where one or two light sessions per week can be scheduled. 

This course protocol is then repeated every 2 to 3 months. Maintenance or relaxation sessions can be completed weekly or fortnightly during this more focused period; this is especially recommended if work or life stresses are significant.

Session Selection

Individual Session 

A single session is perfect if you need a little mental relaxation during moments of heighten stress. Ideal to help combat the effects of, or prepare for a busy week.

Course Of Sessions

We recommend a course of sessions if you are looking at supporting a specific outcome. A course typically lasts five or ten weeks, where one or two light sessions per week can be scheduled. 

This course protocol is then repeated every 2 to 3 months. Maintenance or relaxation sessions can be completed weekly or fortnightly during this more focused period; this is especially recommended if work or life stresses are significant.

Example Severn Clinics Sessions

Conscious Living SMR

Length: 30 minutes

 Delta Deep Dive

Length: 30 minutes

No More Insomnia

Length: 30 Minutes

Purpose: Emotional balance, focus & attention, elevated mood, improved sleep

Purpose: Deep relaxation, rejuvenation (Cerebral blood flow and HGH release)

Purpose:  Improved sleep, Calmness and Stress relief

Feeling: Chilled,Peaceful, Calming, Colourful

Feeling: Profoundly relaxing

Feeling: Chilled, Sleepy, Peaceful, Calming

Frequencies: 100% SMR (12-15Hz) with 85% at 14.4Hz

Frequencies: 80Hz, 7.83Hz, 2.5Hz, 1Hz

Frequencies: Theta and low Beta/SMR frequencies

This session uses solely frequencies in the SMR range. SMR stands for Sensory Motor Rhythm and is considered a fundamental balance frequency. Practice within this frequency range leads to a heightened ability to respond appropriately in changing situations. Almost like heart rate variability (HRV) for the brain. 

The result is improved concentration, focus, brain clarity, elevated mood, improved sleep patterns, and reduced stress. If there was such a thing as a magic bullet frequency, SMR would be in the running.

Delta Deep Dive is a profoundly relaxing session. The 30 minute session focuses the majority of its time within the delta brainwave states which is where recovery, rejuvenation and detoxing of the brain take place. Often when sleep is an issue like with insomnia, this is the level of brain activity that is most lacking.

Most people find it hard to stay alert while in this range of brainwaves but whether you relax deeply or fall asleep it does not matter, the benefit of getting more of this level of brain activity will show up in other ways like improved sleep and better recovery of both body and mind.

No More Insomnia is perfect for improving sleep, aiding calmness and supporting stress relief, it does this by increasing your SMR (Sensory Motor Rhythm) frequencies. SMR is your brains idling state where you are ready for either action or relaxation.

SMR frequencies have been shown to have some significant beneficial effects on calmness and quality of rest.

These frequencies are also responsible for movement, both while awake and non movement while asleep. 

This session is best used during the day rather than at night, which makes it perfect to add into your weekly sleep support routine

Example Severn Clinics Sessions

Conscious Living SMR

Length: 30 Minutes

Purpose: Emotional balance, focus & attention, elevated mood, improved sleep

Feeling: Chilled, Peaceful, Calming, Colourful

Frequencies: 100% SMR (12-15Hz) with 85% at 14.4Hz

This session uses solely frequencies in the SMR range. SMR stands for Sensory Motor Rhythm and is considered a fundamental balance frequency. Practice within this frequency range leads to a heightened ability to respond appropriately in changing situations. Almost like heart rate variability (HRV) for the brain. 

The result is improved concentration, focus, brain clarity, elevated mood, improved sleep patterns, and reduced stress. If there was such a thing as a magic bullet frequency, SMR would be in the running.

Delta Deep Dive

Length: 30 Minutes

Purpose: Deep relaxation, rejuvenation (Cerebral blood flow and HGH release)

Feeling:  Profoundly relaxing

Frequencies: 80Hz, 7.83Hz, 2.5Hz, 1Hz

Delta Deep Dive is a profoundly relaxing session. The 30 minute session focuses the majority of its time within the delta brainwave states which is where recovery, rejuvenation and detoxing of the brain take place. Often when sleep is an issue like with insomnia, this is the level of brain activity that is most lacking.

Most people find it hard to stay alert while in this range of brainwaves but whether you relax deeply or fall asleep it does not matter, the benefit of getting more of this level of brain activity will show up in other ways like improved sleep and better recovery of both body and mind.

No More Insomnia 

Length: 30 Minutes

Purpose: Improved sleep, Calmness and Stress relief

Feeling: Chilled, Sleepy, Peaceful, Calming

Frequencies:  Theta and low Beta/SMR frequencies

No More Insomnia is perfect for improving sleep, aiding calmness and supporting stress relief, it does this by increasing your SMR (Sensory Motor Rhythm) frequencies. SMR is your brains idling state where you are ready for either action or relaxation.

SMR frequencies have been shown to have some significant beneficial effects on calmness and quality of rest.

These frequencies are also responsible for movement, both while awake and non movement while asleep. 

This session is best used during the day rather than at night, which makes it perfect to add into your weekly sleep support routine

Online Consultation

Book an online consultation and get personalized advice from the comfort of your home. Our licensed practitioners are here to assess your concerns, provide expert diagnosis, and offer treatment recommendations—all through a secure virtual session.

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027 508 8083

Email

tobias@severnclinics.co.nz

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