Unfortunately, the sleep disorder known as insomnia is a common problem today. To illustrate, approximately 30 percent of the general population struggles with sleep disruption. Trouble sleeping can lead to long-term health problems, and may also be an underlying signal of a larger medical issue. However, those suffering from sleepless nights that visit floating tank centers have experienced improved sleep patterns. Below, learn more about insomnia and its symptoms, along with the lifestyle changes you can make to encourage sounder sleep.
What is Insomnia?
Insomnia occurs when a person has trouble falling asleep or staying asleep. Those who suffer from trouble sleeping are often dissatisfied with their nightly rest, especially when they are early risers. There are two types of insomnia, which include:
- Acute insomnia: This is brief, and typically occurs due to life-related circumstances and anxieties. Acute insomnia usually happens in passing, and tends to resolve itself without treatment.
- Chronic insomnia: When your sleep is disrupted three nights per week (or more), it is categorized as a chronic condition. Life changes, medications and clinical disorders can all impact long-term sleep issues.
In addition, those who suffer from long-term insomnia may not realize the condition could be linked to another issue – either medical or psychiatric. It’s not always easy to link insomnia to another condition, but it is important to keep this in mind when working to define and treat your sleep disorder.
Moreover, if you do not work on steps to improve sleep, you may face additional life problems. Lack of sleep can lead to:
- Difficulty with concentration.
- Low energy levels.
- Mood instability.
- Decreased performance.
- Fatigue.
Common Symptoms Associated With Insomnia
If you are unsure of whether you are struggling with an insomnia disorder, there are signs to consider. You may be experiencing insomnia if you:
- Have trouble falling asleep.
- Wake up during the night.
- Awaken too early in the morning.
- Do not feel well-rested after a night of sleep.
- Experience tiredness during the day.
Additionally, you may be on the verge of insomnia if you notice you are becoming irritable, depressed or anxious, have trouble focusing or remembering things, experience increased accidents or undergo continuous worry regarding your inability to sleep.
If you frequently experience some of the above symptoms, it is time to get help, so you can treat your sleep problem before it worsens.
Lifestyle Changes to Help Resolve Your Trouble Sleeping
Oftentimes, those dealing with sleepless nights turn to medication to fall – and remain – asleep. However, dependency on sleeping pills can happen in just a matter of weeks, and addiction can take hold if doses are not properly administered.
If you have trouble sleeping and are seeking healthy alternatives to sedatives and sleeping pills, there are lifestyle changes that can be made prior to consuming medication. To encourage sound sleep, you can:
- Utilize holistic therapies – Floatation therapy and other services provided by wellness centers – like massage practices, yoga studios and acupuncture clinics – can provide much-needed relaxation.
- Remain active – Make sure to exercise earlier in the day, and try to avoid stimulation before bedtime.
- Monitor your food and drink consumption – Large meals or beverage servings should never be consumed before you head to bed.
- Limit your caffeine and alcohol intake – If you plan to drink alcohol, coffee or other caffeinated beverages, this may make it more difficult to sleep.
- Monitor your medications – A medication may be influencing your insomnia, so speak to a doctor about your current prescriptions if you are suspicious of the side effects.
- Unplug from technological devices – Make sure to disconnect from computers, tablets, smartphones and TV screens, as the blue light can negatively impact your sleep hormone production.
Still, when having trouble with sleep, avoid naps, enforce a sleep schedule and see a doctor about any pain-related issues that may be causing sleeplessness.
Floatation Therapy Benefits for Insomnia
You may be able to fall asleep faster with regular float sessions scheduled. The sensory deprivation tank experience, which can be achieved in a saltwater pod, is a proven way to reach deep relaxation. In turn, the practice can provide a digital detox from blue light, help regulate your sleep schedule and improve the quality of your sleep. Furthermore, your delta and theta brainwaves increase at lower frequencies during floatation REST therapy, which may work to promote sounder sleep.
If you visit a float studio to help with sleep issues, the therapy may offer additional benefits. These can include:
- Lower levels of stress and anxiety.
- Decreased depression.
- Relief from pain.
Floating Tank Therapy for Sleep Management
Once you try a float tank to fall asleep faster, you should consider incorporating the practice into your regular wellness ritual. Moreover, some floating wellness studio locations, like Float8 Wellness Lounge in South Florida, offer evening hours – and sometimes, even overnight hours – which may further assist with improving your sleep patterns. With the right combination of non-chemical sleep aids at your disposal, you can gain peace of mind surrounding your healthy life choices, as well as the opportunity to achieve quality, uninterrupted rest.
