Insomnia is a common sleep problem that affects many people. It is most often caused by stress, but other factors include pain, a lack of sleep habits and medications.
Laughing can be the perfect insomnia cognitive behavioral therapy medicine for insomnia, as laughter therapy or “humor therapy” is increasingly being used in clinical settings. Humor therapy is a mind-body meld that reduces stress hormones, improves circulation and enhances the immune system.
1. You’re a comedian
Laughter can help you see situations in a more lighthearted, less threatening way. It can also make you feel closer to others, and that’s good for your mental health. So if you’re feeling down, spend some time with a friend who makes you laugh or watch a funny movie. Even if you’re not a naturally humorous person, a few laughs can lift your mood.
Many people struggle with depression, and it’s no surprise that some of your favorite comedians have had their own share of struggles. Robin Williams, Sarah Silverman, and Woody Allen are just a few of the famous names who have talked openly about their depression. But is there a link between depression and comedy, or are these celebrities just more visible because of their status in the spotlight?
One theory suggests that comedians use humor as a way to cope with their own anxiety and sadness. This is based on the idea that Sigmund Freud’s concept of the “mental illness clown,” which states that those who struggle with mental illnesses may attempt to make people laugh as a way to relieve their own anxieties and pain.
Other research has found that comedians have higher-than-average intelligence, but they also tend to be more sensitive and distrustful. Researchers believe this combination of traits creates the distance that comedians need to observe human behavior with a comic eye. For this reason, comedians often feel misunderstood and mistreated in their personal lives. A 1975 study of 55 full-time comedians found that 80% of them sought some form of therapy.
2. You’re a good listener
Many people who suffer from insomnia can benefit from having a group of close friends and family members to turn to for help, especially when the condition becomes more serious. “Having a supportive network is a critical part of sleep disorder treatment, because it helps keep the condition in check,” Werner says. And good listening may be more than just a feel-good gesture: A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found that having an available group of good listeners is also associated with brain health. The participants in the study had a higher cognitive function and lower risk for dementia.
4. You’re funny
Incorporating laughter into your daily routine can help reduce stress, improve sleep and boost the immune system. It also helps control brain levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin, which can otherwise wear down your cardiovascular, metabolic and immune systems over time. Laughter and mirth are natural antidotes to stress, as they inhibit the production of stressful hormones like cortisol, says psychotherapist Megan Werner, who specializes in laughter therapy.
Laughing can even help you get through difficult times, such as a medical diagnosis or a family crisis. It’s important to find a good therapist who makes you laugh, and you should try to surround yourself with fun people and activities that make you giggle. Try reading funny books or watching comedy movies, or join a group that does laughter yoga or karaoke.
You can even look up online humor courses or workshops, as well as participate in a local comedy troupe. Alternatively, you can start by simply laughing at the little things that happen in your day. The key is to make an effort to laugh, because it takes practice to break through the barrier of suppressing your natural sense of humor in times of stress or hardship.
Nervous laughter is a normal reaction to tense situations, but uncontrollable laughter can also be a sign of an underlying condition. If you feel your laughing is out of context or exaggerated, see a doctor immediately. If you experience a sudden urge to laugh that doesn’t match the situation, it’s called paradoxical laughter and may be a symptom of schizophrenia or another neurological disorder.
5. You’re genuine
Insomnia can be the hardest type of sleep disorder to treat, since it often results from the brain’s inability to relax. As a result, people often develop anxiety and stress over it, leading to sleepless nights. In order to combat this, psychologists use cognitive behavioural therapy, which involves teaching patients to challenge their worries and change their behaviour. This approach has proven to be as effective as sleeping pills, according to research conducted by Charles Morin.