Statistics Canada reports that an estimated 3.3 million Canadians have insomnia and have trouble falling asleep, despite the use of sleeping aids. In addition, roughly one in ten Americans have been diagnosed with chronic insomnia according to the National Institute of Health, making insomnia a serious problem.
Three Causes for This Sleep Disorder (Stress, Obesity and Alcohol)
Research has named many causes for insomnia. Three, however, appear to be more prevalent. It is not surprising that stress is one of the most common reasons named for this sleep disorder by both Statistics Canada and the Nation Institute of Health based upon recent studies. Data collected in 2002 by the Canadian Community Health Survey: Mental Health and Well-being reported findings showing that 23% of people who indicated having “Quite a bit” of stress or “extreme” amount of daily stress also reported having insomnia.
In his research, Dr. Stuart F. Quan, MD concluded that obese persons are more likely to have trouble sleeping. Obesity can contribute to a number of contributing health care factors related to insomnia, including breathing and circulatory problems.
The University of Cambridge’s Counseling Website states, “Anyone can suffer from insomnia, although sleeping problems are more common among…(alcoholics).” It has been concluded that alcohol can act as a stimulant if taken near bedtime and can interfere with sleep.
Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) is a Natural Treatment for Insomnia
EFT is used by tens of thousands of people daily to treat and manage a wide range of problems, including insomnia, according to EFT founder Gary Craig and other EFT masters throughout the world. Gary Craig describes EFT in the following way: “EFT can dramatically change your world. EFT is based on the discovery that imbalances in the body’s energy system have profound effects on one’s personal psychology. Correcting these imbalances, which is done by tapping on certain body locations, often leads to rapid remedies.” Carol Look, an EFT Master and self-help author writes, “Speaking from personal experience, EFT is the perfect tool for insomnia!” from part 1 of her article “Using EFT for Insomnia.”
EFT as a Sleep Aid
According to Carol Look, an insomniac should start by exploring any stressors that might be contributing to the sleep disorder. It might be a pending work deadline or a childhood trauma. Once identified, the stressor should be assigned a number between one and 10 (10 representing the highest level of emotional stress, one the least.)
Next, an EFT setup phrase or statement must be created incorporating the stressor. For example: If the suspected cause is a pending deadline at work, the setup statement could be something like: “Even though I have all this stress about my deadline, I deeply and completely accept myself.” Repeat three times while tapping on the Karate Chop Point.
The process would continue with the individual as he or she taps on the remaining meridian points in succession including the eyebrow, side of the eye, below the eye, under the nose, chin, collarbone, armpit, and the top of the head, while saying a reminder phrase like: “This deadline stress.”
The first round of tapping is complete when the top of the head is tapped and a deep breath is taken. The level of distress is assessed by assigning a new number. If any stress remains, the procedure is repeated with a slight alteration in the set-up phrase: “Even though I still have some of this stress, I deeply and completely accept myself.” The reminder phrase becomes, “This remaining stress.”
Carol says that “The intensity level of each issue should decrease after one or several tapping routines.”
Falling Asleep Tonight With EFT
For those who don't like pills and have tried everything else to cure insomnia, perhaps EFT is the solution. For more detailed information, Google "emotional freedom techniques" or contact a local EFT practitioner.
Sources:
Micheal Tjepkena, "Insomnia", Health Reports,Vol.17, No.1, November 2005
Sutton DA, Moldofsky H, Bradely EM. Insomnia and Health problems in Canada. Sleep 2001; 2001; 24 (6):665-70
Dodge R, Cline MG, Quan SF. The natural history of insomnia and its relationships to respiratory symptoms. Archives of International Medicine, 1995; 155 (16):1796-800
Hajak G, Sine Study Group. Study of Insomnia in Europe, Epidemiology of severe insomnia and its consequences in Germany. European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience 2001;251(2):49-56.
University of Cambridge Counseling Service, http://www.counselling.cam.ac.uk /insom.html
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