Bite-sized tips for better sleep - Part 1

Most of us have experienced an occasional sleepless night. Unfortunately, for many of my clients difficulties with falling and/or staying asleep are common.

In the next few posts, I will share some tips on how to help you fall asleep and stay asleep. I am writing this with particular focus on people who have experienced trauma or suffer from anxiety.

Trying to fall asleep but your brain just won't stop?
Try these strategies:

• Ask inside: is there a part of me that is feeling worried or unsafe right now? What can I do to help that part of me feel safer? If it's my inner 'worrier' - can we make a deal to postpone the worrying until later, and give you a chance to sleep?
• Visualisation technique 1: Imagine your stream of consciousness as an actual stream.... visualise the water flowing... listen to the sound of the water... as each thought comes along, imagine gently placing it on a leaf and allowing it to flow down the stream.
• Visualisation technique 2: Imagine a warm, soothing, shining light streaming from above... allow it to envelop you completely... imaging this light spreading through your body and helping you feel safe and relaxed... imaging this light as a loving energy.