In this episode, we explore EMDR and sleep. Host, Dr. Caroline Lloyd explains how EMDR can be used in reducing the anxiety and catastrophic thinking behind insomnia, and also as a simple but effective self-soothing technique. Dr. Lloyd discusses nightmares, sleep talking, and sleep paralysis - emphasizing psychoeducation and fear reduction through EMDR. The episode also covers practical sleep hygiene tips, and available professional resources.

Key Points:

• EMDR can address psychological causes of sleep problems (e.g., anxiety, catastrophizing or trauma-related distress).

• EMDR can help with sleep-related anxiety using techniques like the Flash Forward for future worries, or a three-pronged past/present/future approach.

• Self-administered EMDR at bedtime can serve as a practical, immediate tool to promote sleep by reducing distress and facilitating sleep onset.

• Nightmares and other parasomnias (sleep paralysis, sleep talking, acting out) can improve with EMDR through targeting nightmare imagery, processing related trauma, and psychoeducation to reduce fear around sleep.

• Core sleep hygiene remains essential (regular bedtimes, daytime exercise, relaxation before bed, limiting alcohol and screens, and a conducive sleep environment).

Resources Mentioned:

• Dr. Lloyd’s recent webinar ‘Shame in Clinical Practice’ is now available as an on-demand webinar on the EMDRDoctor website.

• Consultation & Supervision: Book a supervision session with Dr. Lloyd.

• ‘Nothing Much Happens’: a podcast to help you get to sleep

Contact and Feedback:

• If you’ve been affected by trauma, or if you want to discuss how EMDR can help you heal from past wounds, get in touch with Dr. Lloyd at emdrdoctor.com.au .

• Appointments for consultation or supervision, with Dr. Lloyd, can be made via Halaxy.

Remember, healing from trauma is a journey — you don’t have to do it alone.

Subscribe & Stay Connected:

• Be sure to follow or subscribe so you never miss an episode. Each week, we dive into the powerful ways EMDR therapy can help you heal, grow, and reclaim your life. If you’ve found today’s episode helpful, share it with someone who could benefit from this information.

• See me in person over on my YouTube channel — it’s a great way to connect face-to-face, learn more about EMDR, and get a sense of how we might work together in therapy.

Join me, Dr. Caroline Lloyd, as we unpack trauma, explore the science of EMDR, and share real stories of recovery and resilience.