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Learn DBT Skills In A Group
Weekly sessions are available. Grouport offers therapist-led dialectical behavior therapy skills groups online. The first 12 weeks covers fundamental DBT skills.
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In recent years, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy has gained significant attention as an effective treatment for trauma, anxiety, and various mental health conditions. Originally developed by Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s, EMDR aims to help individuals process and integrate distressing memories, reducing their emotional charge. As a result, EMDR is most commonly associated with treating trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, research and clinical experiences have uncovered an intriguing connection between EMDR therapy and improved sleep quality.
In this article, we'll explore how EMDR therapy can potentially enhance sleep, the mechanisms behind this connection, and how EMDR may be an effective tool for those struggling with sleep disturbances.
EMDR therapy involves eight distinct phases, including history-taking, preparation, desensitization, installation, body scan, closure, and reevaluation. The core of EMDR is bilateral stimulation (BLS), where a therapist uses eye movements, sounds, or taps to stimulate both sides of the brain while the individual focuses on distressing memories. This process is believed to help "reprocess" traumatic memories, reducing their emotional impact and allowing individuals to integrate these experiences more adaptively.
The therapeutic effect of EMDR is thought to be linked to how the brain processes and stores memories. When the brain is overwhelmed by trauma or distressing events, memories can become "stuck" in the system, contributing to a range of symptoms such as anxiety, intrusive thoughts, and disturbed sleep. By facilitating the reprocessing of these memories, EMDR can help alleviate these symptoms and promote psychological healing.
Many people with trauma, anxiety, or depression also experience sleep disturbances. This can manifest as difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up feeling unrested. Trauma-related sleep problems often include nightmares or vivid, distressing dreams that can disrupt the sleep cycle. By addressing the root causes of these disturbances, EMDR therapy may help improve sleep in several key ways.
One of the primary symptoms of trauma and PTSD is hyperarousal, which includes heightened states of anxiety and emotional reactivity. This constant state of alertness can make it difficult to relax and fall asleep. EMDR works by reducing the intensity of traumatic memories and experiences, leading to a decrease in anxiety levels. As a result, individuals may find it easier to calm their minds and fall asleep without the overwhelming thoughts that typically prevent rest.
For many trauma survivors, nightmares and flashbacks are common triggers for poor sleep. These vivid, emotionally charged recollections of past events often occur during the rapid eye movement (REM) phase of sleep, preventing individuals from reaching restorative stages of the sleep cycle. By processing and reprocessing traumatic memories through EMDR, individuals may experience a reduction in the frequency and intensity of these nighttime disturbances, allowing for a deeper and more restful sleep.
The emotional and physical stress caused by trauma can dysregulate the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle, leading to insomnia or fragmented sleep. Through EMDR, the reduction of emotional distress can contribute to more balanced cortisol levels (the stress hormone), which helps regulate the circadian rhythm. This improved balance may promote more consistent sleep patterns, making it easier for individuals to fall asleep at night and wake up feeling refreshed.
Sleep problems are often a symptom of unresolved emotional or psychological issues, such as trauma, depression, or anxiety. By addressing the root causes of these issues through EMDR, individuals may find that their overall mental health improves, leading to better sleep. As EMDR reduces the emotional burden of past experiences, it can create a sense of peace and emotional stability that carries over into sleep.
Although the connection between EMDR and sleep has been observed clinically, scientific research specifically exploring how EMDR influences sleep is still limited. However, there are some studies that suggest a positive impact. For instance, research has shown that individuals with PTSD who underwent EMDR reported improvements not only in their PTSD symptoms but also in their sleep quality. Other studies have noted a reduction in symptoms of insomnia and fewer nightmares following EMDR therapy.
Furthermore, a study published in the "Journal of Clinical Psychology" found that patients undergoing EMDR experienced a significant reduction in symptoms of anxiety, which, in turn, led to improved sleep quality. While more research is needed to fully understand the relationship between EMDR and sleep, the preliminary findings are promising.
While EMDR may be highly effective for individuals with trauma-related sleep problems, it is not necessarily the best option for everyone. EMDR is particularly suited to those whose sleep disturbances are connected to unresolved trauma or emotional distress. Individuals with primary sleep disorders, such as insomnia not linked to trauma, may not see the same benefits from EMDR alone. In such cases, it may be helpful to combine EMDR with other therapeutic approaches, such as cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), to address both the psychological and physiological aspects of sleep.
EMDR therapy offers hope for those struggling with trauma-related sleep disturbances. By processing and reprocessing distressing memories and emotions, EMDR can help reduce anxiety, alleviate nightmares, and regulate the sleep-wake cycle, leading to better sleep quality overall. While more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms at play, the evidence so far suggests that EMDR can be a valuable tool in improving sleep for many individuals.
If you are struggling with sleep issues related to trauma, anxiety, or PTSD, consulting a trained EMDR therapist may be an effective way to explore the potential benefits of this therapy. As always, it’s important to discuss treatment options with a healthcare provider to determine the best course of action for your unique needs.
Grouport Therapy provides online group therapy, individual therapy, couples therapy, family therapy, intensive outpatient program, teen therapy, and a DBT-Self Guided Program. All our sessions are therapist-led, held virtually, and meet over video chat at the same time each week. All our sessions are therapist-led and are held virtually and meet over video chat at the same time each week. For group therapy, we have groups on many topics including Dialectical Behavior Therapy "DBT", Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Anxiety & Depression, Trauma & PTSD, Anger Management, OCD, Borderline Personality Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, Relationship Issues, Divorce, Narcissistic Abuse, Self-Compassion, Grief & Loss, Parenting, Substance Abuse, Supporting A Loved one with BPD, among others. Each group is led by a licensed therapist that typically has over a decade of experience treating a wide range of specialties, and the group meets at the same time each week for an hour with the same members and therapist.
As reported by our members, 70% experienced significant progress within 8 weeks, including reduced anxiety & depression symptoms.
Our care coordinators can help assist you to craft the perfect treatment plan for you that's tailored to your needs. We provide speedy matches to quality care, and also provide the flexibility to switch your therapist or group at anytime ensuring that you're always meeting with the right therapist fit at a time that's convenient for your schedule. Whatever type of therapy you’re seeking, Grouport offers a range of options to suit your schedule and preferences. Explore our programs to find the support you need. If you need help finding the right type of therapy, schedule a free call with a care coordinator here.
We infuse cognitive behavioral & EMDR techniques in our group therapy sessions for PTSD & Trauma. Get effective and affordable treatment for trauma.
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