We know getting a good night’s sleep on a regular basis helps us to cope better with everyday stress as well as feel our best. When employees are drowsy while working, workers make more mistakes and have more accidents. Getting enough good sleep on a regular basis will make a significant difference in a healthy work environment. Dr. Pamela Winkler, Director of St. John’s University Counseling Services stated, “An important key to enjoying a good night’s sleep on a regular basis is having peace of mind. And we can all learn how to do that!”
St. John’s University is offering a monthly series of free community workshops on practical ways to improve our health, happiness and well-being. The June 18th workshop will address the topic of insomnia and learning easy, simple techniques to sleep better every night.
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimates more than a third of all Americans are not getting the sleep on a regular basis that we really need. “This is a serious issue for our general health and feeling of well-being,” stated Dr. Winkler. “Insomnia can contribute to so many other problems, including high blood pressure, depression, anxiety, headaches, memory impairment, fatigue, moodiness, and accidents at work or while driving.”
Insomnia is the most common type of sleep disorder. Patients treated for depression and high blood pressure are often prescribed medications that list insomnia as one of their main side effects. “We are seeing more and more clients at S.J.U’s Counseling Services”, stated Dr. Winkler, “who are suffering with many symptoms resulting from side effects of medication. Insomnia, depression and anxiety are the most common symptoms our clients are experiencing.”
Since 1970, St. John’s University has been an academic leader in holistic wellness with a comprehensive Certification and graduate level degree programs in Clinical Hypnotherapy. Harnessing the natural healing power of the inner mind is a fundamental component to holistic wellness. Self-hypnosis is the ultimate tool for self-healing the mind-body-spirit. S.J.U. summer semester registration begins June 1st providing students with the benefits of a self-paced curriculum through the convenience of distance learning. Level I Certification in Clinical Hypnotherapy prepares professionals to help people manage stress, sleep better, resolve weight issues, be free from habits such as smoking, gambling, nail biting, etc. as well as enhance self-esteem and self-confidence.
St. John’s University, located across from the Grace Mellman library on County Center Drive, has offered a comprehensive Certification and graduate level degree programs in Clinical Hypnotherapy through the convenience of distance learning.
There are business career opportunities for a Certified Hypnotherapist. Companies prefer to tailor make in-house programs for stress management, developing a smoke free work environment, and minimizing absenteeism. Enhancing individual and team success is also an integral part of high employee retention.
“We can be successful in creating our own natural medicine with effective mindfulness”, stated Dr. Winkler. “Sleep deprivation directly interferes with our body’s natural ability to refresh both our mind and our body. Many clients dealing with PTSD, depression, anxiety, weight issues and chronic pain are also not getting the kind of restful sleep they need to improve or maintain good health.”
The U.S. military is also now taking a second look at the relationship between sleep deprivation, beginning in basic training, and the increasing number of veterans experiencing symptoms of PTSD. High on the list of PTSD symptoms is insomnia. Many are also starting to question why veterans, who have been diagnosed with PTSD, are prescribed medications that have known side effects of insomnia and depression.
Alcohol can interfere with the amount of REM sleep, or rapid eye movement, we get every night. REM sleep provides the deeper levels of restorative sleep. Trying to get a good night’s sleep with a glass or two of wine before bedtime can actually have the opposite results, causing us to wake up feeling tired and out of sorts.
Life can be very stressful. According to AARP, there is a clear link between stress and insomnia and illness, causing us to catch more colds and flu, unwanted weight gain, and slower healing. Half of people 65 and older are taking multiple medications, with insomnia being a known side effect.
Want to sleep better? To reserve your seat for the June 18th, “Let’s Sleep Better Every Night!” workshop, call 951-599-7550. Seating is limited. Early registration is suggested.
To schedule a private appointment at the S.J.U. Counseling Center for insomnia, depression, anxiety or other personal issue, call 951-599-7550.
For career information about S.J.U.’s 3-tiered Certification program, Master of Arts, Ph.D., and post-doctoral degree programs in Clinical Hypnotherapy, visit www.sjunow.org. or call St. John’s University and speak with an Admissions Counselor.
