Meditation and Insomnia (Sleeplessness)

Sleep is a natural period of rest for the body and mind, devoid of consciousness. A sleeping human being is still alive but not conscious of the world around him or her. What happens during sleep is not fully understood; however, all sensory activity seems to be relatively suspended during this period of rest and unconsciousness. Only the human spirit is fully active during sleep. The average human being spends one-third of life sleeping. Although it is essential for normal and optimal functioning of the human body, the phenomenon of sleep remains a miracle to all humankind, including scientists. Sleep restores and replenishes energy and power of the body and mind, promotes physical and mental health, emotional well-being, and longevity.

Sleeplessness otherwise known as insomnia, is commonly associated with mental and emotional stress, employment and financial problems, anxiety, depression, unsatisfactory sex life, and other relationship problems. Major illnesses, discomfort, or pain can also cause sleeplessness. Without adequate sleep, your judgment, mood, and ability to learn and retain information are impaired or weakened. Lack of sleep negatively affects your mood, judgment and behavior. The ability to learn, focus or study, process or retain information may also be affected weakened by lack of adequate sleep. Long-term sleep deprivation increases the risk for developing the so-called “metabolic syndrome” including excessive weight gain, obesity, and diabetes, diseases of the heart, infections, and even early death. Insufficient sleep can also affect tissue repair and hormonal balance, especially in children.

Insomnia can be prevented or treated pharmacologically and non-pharmacologically. Since sleeplessness is a secondary condition or symptom to another problem, the best strategy for preventing or managing sleeplessness is to prevent or treat the underlying cause of sleeplessness such as anxiety, worry, depression, fear, doubt, negative thoughts, and stress. The best strategy for preventing sleeplessness is to replace negative thoughts, with positive thoughts. Think about happy days you have enjoyed and lovely things that made you happy in the past. Replace doubt with hope and fear with confidence. Medications for sleeplessness to be taken at bedtime are now readily available; however, they are expensive and some may have serious adverse effects. Moreover, their potency may not be durable. Relaxation therapy, including meditation, is the most effective and durable therapy for sleeplessness. Meditation therapy can prevent sleeplessness and improve sleep by reducing stress, and by elevating the blood level of melatonin in the blood during the hours of darkness. Deep meditation before getting into bed at night reduces anxiety and worry and induces relaxation of the mind and body. You can easily fall asleep after such meditation.