Improve your slumber

Neurofeedback can help calm the brain to improve sleep

There’s nothing like lying down in a soft, warm bed at the end of a long day. You’re ready to catch some good shut-eye, and then your brain starts in with: “Did I pay the electric bill?” “Let’s solve all my work and life problems right here, right now!” You may have a “busy brain,” but there can be a wide range of other reasons for difficulty falling or staying asleep, as well.

Research shows that people with sleep issues have different brain activity than those who sleep easily. Brain waves are naturally occurring electrical rhythms that can contribute to different states of arousal. Slower brainwaves are ideal in promoting sleep states when a person’s eyes are closed, but if they are excessive when a person’s eyes are open, this may create drowsiness or focus and under-arousal issues. Faster brainwaves are helpful for thinking and processing during the day, but if they are too active when we close our eyes, we may experience an over-aroused “busy” brain and have difficulty sleeping. If brain waves are out of balance, various physical, emotional, behavioral and cognitive symptoms may arise.

Neurofeedback is a way of measuring and training brainwave activity – in both eyes open and eyes closed states. It can be informative and fun for the clients, and as the brainwaves settle into more normal and efficient patterns, it can help a range of symptoms. The process usually takes several sessions and is very safe (the first sessions are to gain relief, and the latter sessions are to cement the changes for long-term relief).

Neurofeedback is a non-medicinal, non-invasive approach that can be helpful with many issues, including sleep. Positive changes can be long-term to permanent. So, consider training your brain, for better function, better mood, and better sleep!

Gretchen Morse, DMA, is Board Certified in Neurofeedback and serves on the Board of the Midwest Society for Behavioral Medicine and Biofeedback.For information, call her at 517/290-4965, visit her website at www.mmneuro.com , or “Like” Mid-Michigan Neurofeedback on Facebook.