Biofeedback for Sleep Disorders
Many of us suffer or have suffered from poor sleep quality. Sleep is one of the most powerful healing tools inherent in us all. It allows us to organize information obtained throughout the day. It increases our ability to fight off infection in addition to preventing illness. Nearly every aspect of our lives can be influenced positively or negatively by the quality of our sleep. HeartMath, through emWave and Inner Balance technologies is one powerful solution to this problem. Emotional and mental stress can be a major contributor to sleep problems. Using this HeartMath program teaches us how to regulate mental and emotional stress in addition to giving us the ability to maintain mental focus and clarity.
HeartMath teaches us how to generate coherence. Coherence is when our internal physiology is in sync and balanced. Being in a coherent state ensures that our heart, mind, emotions, and hormonal, immune and nervous systems are coordinated. Coherence improves sleep and mental abilities while reducing fatigue and exhaustion.
HeartMath uses technology available for IOS and computers that show us our heart rate variability and helps create coherence. Heart rate variability is the difference in heart rate from beat to beat. Our heart rates aren't constant and change with our breaths. When we breath in our heart rate increase and it decreases when we exhale. Coherence is when the heart and breaths are in sync and there is greater heart rate variability.
When using HeartMath programs there is a sensor placed on the ear lobe or finger to measure the pulse. There is a visual that moves on the screen to help us match our breaths to around 6 breaths per minute. This is the optimal rate for most people and will provide coherence when heart rate and breaths are in sync. This is a rate of about 6 seconds in and 6 seconds out without pauses. During the breath work it is helpful imagine the breath going in and out through the area of heart and synchronize with the pacer on the screen. Once the breath and pacer is in sync and feels comfortable you want to activate a positive emotion. Thinking of gratitudes, appreciations and good things in your life provides us with heart feeling and supports the process. Doing this for 20 minutes a day is ideal. Although, having this on your computer or phone gives you the ability add in a minute here and there throughout your day. Eventually no program is needed unless you really want to play the games they have included in the program.
Check out heartmath.com for more information.