Neurofeedback Training for Insomnia

In-Depth on Insomnia

Before discussing neurofeedback training as a cure, let’s delve into insomnia, its causes, and symptoms. Insomnia is a fairly common sleep disorder, especially in the United States, where over 60 million Americans are affected by the condition. People that suffer from insomnia have trouble falling asleep or experience troubled sleep patterns. This includes waking up throughout the night and having trouble falling back asleep, waking up too early, and feeling tired upon awakening.

One of the reason insomnia necessitates a treatment like neurofeedback training is that in any case, sleep deprivation can really negatively impact productivity, health, and quality of life. Insomnia is typically divided into two types and then further subdivided by how long the condition persists. Insomnia that is unassociated with any other health condition is referred to as primary insomnia, whereas insomnia that is due to some underlying condition such as asthma, indigestion, or arthritis is called secondary insomnia. Short-term insomnia is referred to as “acute”, but when the problem lasts an inordinate amount of time, we may be looking at what is called “chronic insomnia”.

Before getting to neurofeedback training and other treatment methods, here are some of the causes of insomnia, whether it is the acute or chronic variety:

·         Stress

·         Anxiety

·         Depression

·         Pain

·         Medication

·         Bad Sleep Atmosphere (i.e. sound, temperature, a newborn)

·         Alteration of Sleep Schedule

The Treatment Dilemma

Prior to the surfacing of groundbreaking treatments such as neurofeedback training, doctors historically had relied heavily on medication to alleviate the symptoms of insomnia. Beyond the fact that medicated sleep does not lend itself to restfulness, these medications can be potentially addictive or, in rare cases, gravely dangerous. Other treatment methods such as hypnosis, relaxation techniques, and psychotherapy are out there, but results are largely mixed.

For those of us who want results and wish to get them free of pharmaceuticals, neurofeedback training is right up our alley. Neurofeedback training treats not only insomnia, but often the underlying issue as well, and aims to achieving long-term and lasting results. The process is completely noninvasive and pain free. Better yet, no side effect for neurofeedback training has ever been found – something that can hardly be said about many of the prescription meds that are out there. How does that work? By teaching your brain to self-correct brainwave patterns that have gone awry, and in turn are causing you sleeplessness. Doctors electronically monitor your brainwave patterns as you go through a series of guided brain exercises, and within as little as a few sessions you could be well on your way to the restful nights you need to have amazing days. Check out some other advice and tips for conquering your sleeping dilemma on our video below:

NEUROFEEDBACK FOR INSOMNIA