Sleep affects how we think, how we feel, and how we function during the day. Yet getting proper rest is not easy for everyone. Racing thoughts, interrupted sleep, or waking up exhausted can all make sleep an unpleasant experience.
If you are looking for insomnia help in NYC, it is important to understand what is causing your sleep problems. Dr. Merlyn Hurd and the team at NY Neurofeedback provide individualized psychological care and brain-based services.
What Is Insomnia, and How Can It Affect Brain Health?
Insomnia is a sleep disorder that involves trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or getting back to sleep after waking up. It can also include waking up too early and having daytime symptoms even when there was an opportunity to sleep.
Sleep plays an important role in attention, memory, emotional regulation, and daytime functioning. When sleep problems persist, a person may notice changes in concentration, patience, energy, and mood.
For example, someone with insomnia may have trouble focusing at work, keeping up with daily routines, or feeling emotionally steady.
Why Do Some People Struggle to Fall Asleep?
Many things can contribute to insomnia, including stress, anxiety, an irregular sleep schedule, environmental factors, medications, and some medical conditions.
Sometimes worrying about getting a good night’s sleep creates stress before bed. A person might keep checking the clock or thinking about the next day’s demands.
Other sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea and restless legs syndrome, can also cause poor sleep. Knowing the source matters because the right course of action depends on it. If the problem continues, a doctor can help.
What Is the Connection Between Brain Activity and Sleep?
The brain stays active throughout the sleep-wake cycle, and certain patterns of brain activity are linked to different levels of alertness and sleep.
This is one reason researchers study brain activity to understand sleep. Still, insomnia is complex, and no single brain wave pattern explains every sleep problem.
At NY Neurofeedback, QEEG brain mapping in NYC is used to measure the brain’s electrical activity. When appropriate, this information can be considered when developing an individual treatment plan. QEEG is not a stand-alone tool for diagnosing insomnia or identifying all causes of sleep problems.
How Does Neurofeedback Fit Into Personalized Sleep Care?
Neurofeedback is a brain training method that uses feedback about brain activity. During a session, sensors measure the brain’s electrical activity while a computer program provides visual and audio feedback.
At NY Neurofeedback, a session may involve watching a favorite movie or listening to music, depending on the type of feedback used in the protocol.
The goal is to learn to regulate certain brain activity through training. However, neurofeedback has not been proven as a treatment for insomnia, and it should not be presented as one.
The first-line treatment for chronic insomnia in adults is cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I). A healthcare provider can decide whether CBT-I or an assessment for another sleep disorder is needed.
How Dr. Merlyn Hurd and NY Neurofeedback Approach Individual Needs
NY Neurofeedback uses a personalized three-step approach: assess, plan, and treat.
- Assess: The team considers why you are seeking care. When appropriate, QEEG brain mapping is performed.
- Plan: Assessment results, personal goals, and clinical information are used to develop an individual treatment plan.
- Treat and monitor: Depending on the plan, care may include neurofeedback sessions and/or psychological therapy, with regular progress monitoring.
NY Neurofeedback is led by founder Dr. Merlyn Hurd, PhD, QEEG-DL. The practice has been operating for more than 40 years and works with people of all ages, from childhood to older adulthood.
Frequently Asked Questions About Insomnia
When should I see a professional about insomnia?
Consider speaking with a professional if sleep problems are persistent, last a long time, or affect your daily routine.
Can stress and anxiety cause insomnia?
Yes. Stress and anxiety make it harder to relax, especially before bed, and can cause trouble falling or staying asleep.
Can neurofeedback cure insomnia?
There is not enough evidence to show that neurofeedback cures insomnia. It may be considered as part of an individualized approach, but other options, such as CBT-I, should also be taken into account.
Where can I find insomnia help in NYC?
NY Neurofeedback provides QEEG brain mapping, neurofeedback, and individualized psychotherapy in NYC and Long Island. Get in touch to learn more about services and whether a consultation is right for you.
Start by Getting Information About Your Symptoms
Sleep problems can affect every part of daily life, but you do not have to figure everything out on your own. Understanding your symptoms and the treatment options available can help you take steps in the right direction.
If you need insomnia help in NYC or Long Island, NY Neurofeedback is ready to answer your questions. You can book a consultation or contact the team directly.
Contact NY Neurofeedback
Website: www.nyneurofeedback.com
Phone: +1 (917) 405-8168
Email: merlynh@nyneurofeedback.com
This article is written for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
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