Seasonal Changes That Affect Sleep Patterns

Annie MillerInsomnia

Have you ever wondered why the arrival of autumn affects how you sleep? The answer lies in the interconnectivity between our bodies, the changing environment, and the science of sleep regulation. As summer fades into fall, you might notice the temperature and air changing, along with your daily routines. The lazy days of summer often allow us to have a … Read More

Understanding Sleep Inertia

Annie MillerInsomnia

Have you ever felt that dizzy, disoriented feeling when you wake up? You can almost feel your body wishing for a few more minutes of sleep. That’s exactly what sleep inertia is—a momentary feeling of grogginess, fogginess, and a strong urge to crawl back under the covers. Let’s dive into the depths of sleep inertia, exploring its causes, duration, and … Read More

Procrastination And Chronic Pain

Annie MillerChronic Pain

Procrastination is something that we all do from time to time, but for some this habit is more than just a nuisance. Studies show that up to 20% of people report having chronic procrastination, which means they’re struggling with the constant cycle of avoidance and delayed action.  What does this have to do with chronic pain? Let’s examine the connection … Read More

Neuroplasticity and the Vicious Cycle: How Anxiety Rewires the Brain to Fuel Chronic Pain

Annie MillerAnxiety, Chronic Pain

If you suffer from chronic pain and anxiety, then you know how these conditions can impact your quality of life. The complex relationship between these two diseases has been heavily researched, often finding that neuroplasticity (the brain’s ability to rewire based on certain stimuli) plays a role in how they coexist. In this article, we’ll investigate how worry alters brain … Read More

Hereditary Sleep Patterns: Genetics & Sleep Habits

Annie MillerInsomnia

Sleep is essential to our general health and well-being. Research indicates that sleep habits and patterns may be inherited, suggesting that your genetic makeup may impact your sleep patterns. By better understanding the genetic factors associated with advanced, delayed, and short sleep periods, we can establish methods for enhancing them. Advanced Sleep Phase Disorder  Advanced Sleep Phase (ASPD) is a … Read More

Managing After A Poor Night’s Sleep

Annie MillerInsomnia

We’ve all been there—tossing and turning, counting down the hours until the alarm goes off after a night of restless sleep. It’s no secret that quality sleep is essential for our overall well-being, but occasionally life throws us a curveball, leaving us with a less-than-ideal night’s rest. You might wonder, “What can I do to bounce back after such a … Read More

The Connection Between Headaches and Insomnia

Annie MillerInsomnia

Have you ever observed that occasionally, when you first wake up, you have a nagging headache that just won’t go away? Or maybe you’ve experienced the unfortunate situation where a headache creeps up on you as the day progresses. There’s actually a fascinating connection between headaches and insomnia, and this study in the Journal of Headache and Pain shows how … Read More

Sleep Restriction Therapy For Insomnia

Annie MillerInsomnia

Are you having trouble falling asleep at night? Do you wake up frequently throughout the night, feeling groggy and unproductive during the day? If so, you’re not alone because one in 10 adults suffer from chronic insomnia. Believe it or not, restricting the amount of time you spend in bed is one technique that can help combat your insomnia. Sleep … Read More

How Your Mental Load Impacts Chronic Pain

Annie MillerChronic Pain

How Your Mental Load Impacts Chronic Pain

Have you ever felt so overwhelmed that managing the simplest of chores seems impossible? Mental load, or cognitive load, is the amount of mental effort it takes to perform a task. It’s that mental list that you keep in your head of all of the things that you need to tackle in a day, week, or month.  And your mental … Read More

The Physical Benefits of Trauma Therapy: Healing the Mind and Body

Annie MillerEMDR

Trauma therapy is a form of therapeutic intervention that aims to address the psychological and emotional effects of trauma. It encompasses various modalities, including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based therapy, and somatic-based therapies. While trauma therapy is widely known for its efficacy in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression, it also offers surprising benefits … Read More