Insomnia 

Everyone has sleep problems from time to time.  However, when an individual consistently has difficulty falling asleep, waking up during the night with trouble going back to sleep, waking up too early in the morning, or experiences unrefreshing sleep, he or she might be experiencing insomnia.  Primary insomnia is a disorder in which there are no other directly associated health conditions or problems.  Secondary insomnia is a condition in which the individual is having difficulty sleeping because of some other physical or psychological problem.  Depression and anxiety are commonly associated with sleep difficulties, as is significant life stress, illness, changes in schedule, or difficult environmental factors like noise, light, or uncomfortable temperatures.

A treatment regimine for insomnia will include addressing the underlying physical problems with a health care provider.  Medications to assist with sleep until the difficulties are addressed might be prescribed.  If the insomnia persists, your health care provider will likely recommend behavioral therapy to promote sleep.  These techniques might include relaxation exercises, life-style changes, and treatment of associated psychological symptoms.  Developing good sleep habits such as going to sleep at the same time each night, avoiding caffeine, nicotine, or alcohol late in the day, exercise, following a routine, and avoiding anything overly stimulating when trying to fall asleep, can be very helpful.  Guided meditations designed to reduce or quiet your thoughts, and progressive muscle relaxation exercises have demonstrated usefulness in achieving the sense of quiet needed just before going to sleep.

There is a strong association between chronic pain and mood and anxiety disorders. 

A study just released suggests that the body’s natural painkillers can be triggered by a “belief” that pain medication is being administered.

Depression and anxiety are commonly associated with sleep difficulties, as is significant life stress, illness, changes in schedule, or difficult environmental factors like noise, light, or uncomfortable temperatures.

Developing good sleep habits such as going to sleep at the same time each night, avoiding caffeine, nicotine, or alcohol late in the day, exercise, following a routine, and avoiding anything overly stimulating when trying to fall asleep, can be very helpful. 

Sound therapy provides relief from symptoms related to pain and insomnia in that the core strategies used in guided meditation are based on cognitive therapy techniques, education, and progressive muscle relaxation.