Let’s take a closer look at what biofeedback techniques exist to treat sleep disorders! Sleep disturbance is almost a national disease, with the majority of people suffering from regular or occasional insomnia and sleep problems. For some people it is mild, while for others it can have a significant impact on their quality of life. It is important to find and apply therapeutic options that can treat sleep disorders without medication, side effects or pain. In addition to treating sleep disorders, biofeedback techniques can also help us to manage everyday stress.
Types of sleep disorders
The most common types of sleep disorders are insomnia, hypersomnia and parasomnia.
Insomnia is one of the best known types of sleep disorder, where falling asleep is difficult or waking up several times a night, possibly with difficulty falling back asleep. Hypersomnia refers to increased sleep cravings, while parasomnia refers to specific phenomena during sleep.
Parasomnias are known to include sleepwalking or waking disturbances, for example.
What is biofeedback?
Quantum biofeedback is based on the science of quantum physics. In biofeedback therapy, sensors attached to the patient, a computer system and special software can work together to detect electrophysiological signals from human organs and cells.
These transmit a specific pattern in a state of equilibrium. When the equilibrium is upset or the body is under stress, the vibration pattern changes. The biofeedback system allows these signals to be measured and analysed, and the results are displayed on the screen in a way that is easy to understand for the therapist and the patient.
With the help of special software and the biofeedback therapist, the out-of-balance vibration pattern can be learned to be restored, and the body’s self-healing capacity can be restored.
Biofeedback techniques for sleep disorders
There are several biofeedback techniques that can be learned during biofeedback therapies. These can be used to reduce stress levels in the body and achieve a relaxed, relaxed state. These techniques can also be used at home with practice, for example, to treat sleep disorders.
Biofeedback techniques can include:
- muscle biofeedback: measures the tension in the muscles. Stress can cause involuntary, spasmodic muscle contractions, which can be eliminated with biofeedback.
- skin temperature biofeedback: when anxiety is present, blood flows from the skin to the muscles, but by consciously reversing the flow, anxiety is reduced and relaxation is easier.
- skin resistance biofeedback: stress on the nervous system causes the skin to sweat, again showing the stressful state.
- Heart rate and pulse biofeedback: measures and reports your pulse rate, which also increases in response to anxiety and fear. Slowing down is necessary for relaxation.
- HRV and respiration biofeedback: harmonises pulse and respiration, increases heart rate.
- EEG biofeedback, or neurofeedback, helps to bring brain waves back to normal.
The benefits of biofeedback in the treatment of sleep disorders
The advantage of biofeedback is that there are no unpleasant tests or painful interventions. Both the test and the treatment are painless and comfortable. Even the first biofeedback session can give you positive energy, but in the case of sleep disorders, stress or any other problem, more biofeedback therapy sessions are of course necessary.
The advantage of biofeedback in the treatment of sleep disorders is that the patient can learn to reduce the stress level of his/her body, thus promoting sleep and restful relaxation. Moreover, not with sleeping pills and other drugs, but with the help of the mind.
The benefits of biofeedback include:
- no side effects, safe, can be used by almost anyone
- the success of biofeedback therapy depends largely on the individual, it can be learned with practice
- in many cases, the patient’s regular medication can be reduced through biofeedback therapy
- can be used alongside conventional medical treatments
- a pleasant, relaxed atmosphere during therapy
- not only can our sleep quality improve, but also our general physical and mental well-being!