Sleep and addiction

Addiction is the search for oblivion, for forgetting the contortions we go through to not be ourselves’ Keith Richards.

A temporary relief from pain, a fleeting sense of calmness.

As many may know, our inner child is the one that bores our core beliefs, stemming from all that is experienced in our early years is also the one that fuels us as adults.

I’ve worked with clients who’ve presented with ACE scores in the 3’s, 4’s and beyond.

For those that don’t know, that is the Adverse Childhood Experience scale. Something I assess with ALL my clients as a matter of course.

Why?

Because, our early childhood experiences shape our future, our lives and potentially that for generations to come. Which I think is pretty important.

ACEs and unmet childhood emotional needs often, leads to addiction and or dysfunction.

Even if you’re not aware of

it.

Addiction and insomnia are VER

Y much linked, not just in sense of drug use, but in terms of emotions.

Addiction of any kind is thought to be due to connectedness or lack thereof.

With it being mental health awareness month, I thought highlighting this issue would be useful as it is one often not addressed and for some, unknown. As although many may be aware of addiction and sleep as two separate entities, I am referring to addiction and sleep not in the ‘usual’ sense, but rather more in the form of Insomnia addiction.

Yes, it does exist. Usually because of our negative self-beliefs, a lack of connection, not feeling safe or in control, again all of which generally arise from our early years and beyond, the point at which our core beliefs are being built.

What is Insomnia Addiction?

Insomnia addiction is not about experiencing Insomnia because of an addiction, but rather the addiction of being an insomniac. Research indicates this is linked to trauma and emotional pain (as our most forms of addiction).

It is important to note, that some believe the addiction to insomnia, is a form of escapism from the pain and the disturbed dreams, nightmares, or night terrors some may experience a symptom of the trauma and emotional pain. Conversely, it can be due to the person experiencing a similar euphoric feeling, often found amongst drug users. This is related to the same neural pathways, with heightened sensor in the dopamine reward centre of the brain.

Leading to an alteration in brain function similar to that seen in drug use.

Don’t let this be you.

If you can resonate with this or feel you are suffering with insomnia and unsure why,

let me help you, book in a call or in person consultation.

Leanne – Sleep consultant, therapist, and mental health specialist.