Can the way you feel about sleep encourage insomnia or sleeplessness? According to a study published in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, the answer is YES. More and more, researchers are learning that the way we think dramatically affects the way we sleep. If you believe you are a poor sleeper, then you are more likely to suffer from insomnia then someone who believes they are a good sleeper. What does this mean? You can actively improve the odds you will overcome insomnia if you consciously work to reduce negative feelings you may have about your ability to sleep.

Studies suggest that cognitive-behavioral therapy or CBT may help patients with acute insomnia or transient insomnia improve dramatically especially when patients improved their sleep-related “beliefs”. What does this mean? It means if you think you can get to sleep and sleep well, they you are more likely to. How do you do that? First, you create an environment that is conducive to better sleep. Most people do not realize how hazardous their sleep environment is to their health.

Too much stimulation, whether from the television, from a computer, or from food and drink eaten late at night, can alter your ability to sleep. If you want to get the most from your zzz’s, then make sure you evaluate your entire lifestyle. Find out what is preventing you from sleeping, and change your bad habit into a good one. Change your beliefs. Changing your attitude and lifestyle can have dramatic impacts on the way you feel and the way you sleep. Happy sleeping.