Can’t sleep? Maybe it’s time to try Reiki

Can’t sleep? In today’s fast-paced world, insomnia has become an all-too-common struggle. Insomnia impacts countless individuals who find themselves tossing and turning at night, unable to achieve the restorative sleep their bodies desperately need.  The root causes of insomnia often lie in stress, anxiety, and the overwhelming demands of daily life, all of which can create the “perfect storm” keeping the mind racing and the body tense. Reiki is a holistic healing practice rooted in ancient Japanese traditions, which has emerged as a promising solution for those seeking relief from sleepless nights.  By channeling healing energy, Reiki helps to alleviate burdens, thus promoting a sense of relaxation that allows both the mind and body to enter a tranquil state. This gentle approach not only addresses the symptoms of insomnia but also encourages a deeper exploration of underlying emotional and physical stressors.

Understanding Insomnia

Insomnia is a condition in which a person finds it difficult to fall asleep and/or remain asleep.  According to the Mayo Clinic, the average adult requires at least seven to eight hours of sleep each night to function and feel rested. Without adequate sleep, people can often feel tired, sluggish, unable to focus, irritable, or even depressed. People who suffer from insomnia may also have trouble concentrating on tasks during the day, and they may also be at a higher risk of accidental injury or death. You may suffer from insomnia if you spend more than 30 minutes attempting to fall asleep regularly or get under six hours of sleep on most nights.

Causes of Insomnia 

Insomnia can be the result of several causes. The Mayo Clinic reports that common causes of insomnia may include:

Overeating before bed
Eating too much food before bed can cause acid reflux and discomfort, which can keep you awake long after you are supposed to fall asleep.

Intake of alcohol, caffeine, or nicotine
Although alcohol is a depressant, it can prevent you from getting the restful sleep you need. Caffeine and nicotine, on the other hand, are stimulants that can stop you from falling asleep well in the first place.

Certain medications
Some medications, such as corticosteroids, may cause insomnia in some patients.

Poor sleeping habits
If your sleeping environment is uncomfortable or if you don’t have a regular sleep schedule, you may find it difficult to fall asleep.

Change in environment
If your schedule or living arrangements have recently changed, you may experience temporary insomnia while you adjust to them.

Certain medical conditions
Some medical conditions, such as chronic pain, may make it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep.

Depression
Many people who are suffering from depression will experience sleep disturbances, including insomnia.

Anxiety
Anxiety is a common cause of insomnia. People who feel anxious often spend time worrying after they go to bed, which can make sleep nearly impossible. This cause of insomnia may be temporary or ongoing.

Stress
Much like anxiety, stress can also lead to the development of insomnia. Whether you are stressed about work, relationships, or health concerns, you may find sleeping more difficult when your stress levels are high.

How Reiki Can Help

Regardless of the cause of your insomnia, a Reiki session can reduce cortisol levels, the hormone associated with stress, which is essential when combating insomnia. During a typical session, practitioners either use gentle touch or work from a distance to clear energetic blockages and restore balance to the body’s energy system. One of the most significant benefits of Reiki lies in its ability to promote profound relaxation. Many clients report feeling a sense of peace and clarity during and after Reiki sessions, which helps reduce racing thoughts and physical tension that often accompany sleeplessness. This deep relaxation response makes it easier to transition into sleep. It can cultivate a positive mindset, enhancing the client’s ability to drift off and stay asleep throughout the night.

Some of the ways Reiki can support a client:

Reiki is relaxing.
Reiki often helps clients relax, allowing them to put their problems in perspective and find mental and spiritual balance. This can reduce stress and anxiety, which may, in turn, help relieve insomnia.

Reiki gives control back to the client.
People who suffer from stress, anxiety, or depression often feel like their lives are out of their hands. Clients who participate in Reiki sessions are taking control of their condition, which may improve symptoms.

Reiki facilitates interpersonal connections.
Clients often feel supported and connected with their Reiki practitioners, who are dedicated to their well-being. These interpersonal connections may alleviate the symptoms of depression and other mental health issues, thus reducing incidents of insomnia.

The benefits of Reiki extend beyond relaxation; regular sessions can significantly enhance the overall quality of sleep.  Research indicates that individuals who incorporate Reiki into their self-care routines often experience improved sleep patterns, falling asleep more quickly and enjoying more profound, restorative sleep cycles.  Reiki encourages the body’s natural healing processes as a complementary therapy, promoting a healthier lifestyle.

Research on the benefits of Reiki

A recent study published in Biological Research for Nursing explored Reiki’s ability to produce a relaxation response. The study measured subjects’ heart rate variability, body temperature, and cortisol levels at various intervals before and after Reiki treatment. While cortisol levels remained the same, there was a positive effect on heart rate variability and body temperature, indicating a statistically significant relaxation response.

In another recent study, 15 volunteers who reported frequent episodes of insomnia were taught to use Reiki techniques for self-healing. At the end of the study, researchers found that Reiki improved sleep patterns and decreased episodes of insomnia among the participants. The results also indicated that Reiki promotes stability and calmness in the parasympathetic nervous system.

Schedule your 60-minute Reiki session with me today and enjoy an energy medicine session using this ancient technique, which encourages balance and harmony in the mind, body, and spirit. Balanced Soul uses an amethyst-filled BioMat to enhance relaxation. Crystals and healing stones enhance the Reiki treatment.

Here’s to a restful night’s sleep!

Jenny