- Are you not able to get to sleep even when exhausted?
- Do you get a buzz from thinking and figuring things out which keeps you awake at night?
- Do you find it difficult to get up on time because you have had a hard time falling asleep?
If you answered yes to these questions, you may be highly sensitive. Your level of sensitivity may explain your insomnia. Your causes of insomnia may be different than other people because of your sensitivity. Seeing and understanding the underlying cause is a major part of the cure.
Elaine Aron writes about the personality trait of high sensitivity that affects one out of every five people. According to Dr. Aron, this person has a sensitive nervous system and therefore is more easily overwhelmed in a stimulating environment. It is not uncommon for very sensitive people to have sleep problems because they are SO aware of the subtleties in their environment.
They are built to experience everything very deeply and tune into all the details around them. As they are strongly sensitive to distractions, noises, movements, temperatures, and sensations, they are more likely to notice them as well as be awakened by them.
So… Are You Highly Sensitive?
Take this self-test to find out your degree of sensitivity. There is also a super sensitive person self-test that you can take to get more detailed feedback.
What is the Cure for Insomnia for Sensitive People?
If you are one it is important therefore that you understand and accept the way you are. There are many things you can do to help yourself to sleep better at night. The key is to avoid over-stimulating yourself in the evening and giving yourself time to relax.
Here are some natural cures for insomnia:
- Create a nest – a safe place to sleep – that is quiet and dark and set at a cool temperature. Block out as much light and sound stimulation as possible. Maybe earplugs and a sleeping eye mask will help you to tune out and turn off at night. (Personally, I don’t like them as the ear plugs hurt my ears and the mask makes me sweat)
- If you sleep with a partner who tends to be restless, you may find that you need your own bed or room to sleep in
- Go to bed around 10pm
- Do not watch stimulating TV at night
- Do not use a computer before bed
- Do not exercise in the evening
- Eat your evening meal by 7pm
- Take regular warm baths with a few drops of lavender oil before going to bed (put a drop on your pillow)
- Schedule some down time for yourself every day
- Give yourself plenty of opportunity and time to think during the day (let your mind roam like a herd of buffaloes across the plains)
For more information on and practical help with your high sensitivity, check out the following books.
The Highly Sensitive Person:
Daily Exercises For Calming Your Senses:
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