By – James M. Katz, BA
Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), also known as tapping therapy, is a powerful mind-body technique that can help you achieve emotional balance and alleviate stress. It involves gentle tapping on specific acupressure points on the body while focusing on specific thoughts or emotions. By doing so, EFT aims to release energy blockages and restore harmony to the body’s energy system.
Sleep is essential for our overall well-being, and emotional states can greatly impact the quality of our sleep. Stress, anxiety, and unresolved emotions can keep our minds racing and prevent us from achieving a restful night’s sleep. EFT addresses the underlying emotional issues that may be contributing to sleep disturbances, allowing us to release emotional burdens and find inner peace.
Research has shown that emotions play a significant role in sleep regulation. Negative emotions, such as fear, anger, and sadness, can activate the body’s stress response, making it difficult to relax and fall asleep. Emotional Freedom Technique can help to reduce the intensity of these emotions, allowing us to unwind and drift into a state of deep relaxation.
As seen in the article below, Emotional Freedom Technique or EFT can help you relax, reduce stress and clear your mind. This is accomplished through tapping techniques done on meridian lines across your body.
TikTok is great for lots of things: delicious recipe inspiration, style advice, cat videos and, of course, fitness challenges. From dance routines to viral workout videos, wellness trends regularly circulate TikTok. And while most are just harmless crazes (clearly meant to be taken with a pinch of salt), others – like brain tapping for sleep – genuinely make us stop and wonder whether they could improve our quality of life.
Brain tapping” is the latest TikTok wellness trend – and it promises to help you fall asleep within minutes. Alice Barralough. Marie Claire; June 2023.
So, what is it? Basically, brain tapping is a methodic tapping technique designed to help you feel relaxed and clear your mind.
Commentary:
The science behind EFT and its benefits for sleep
Emotional Freedom Technique combines elements of traditional Chinese medicine, psychology, and neuroscience. The technique is based on the premise that negative emotions and traumatic experiences disrupt the body’s energy flow, leading to physical and emotional imbalances. By stimulating specific acupressure points through tapping, EFT helps to rebalance the body’s energy system and promote emotional healing.
Numerous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of EFT in reducing anxiety, stress, and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These same benefits can translate into improved sleep quality. By addressing the root causes of emotional distress, EFT can help regulate the body’s stress response and promote a calm and peaceful state of mind conducive to sleep.
How to practice Emotional Freedom Technique for better sleep
To practice EFT for better sleep, find a quiet and comfortable space where you can focus on your emotions and thoughts. Begin by identifying the specific emotional issue or concern that is affecting your sleep. It could be stress, anxiety, or any other negative emotion that is keeping you awake at night.
Once you have identified the emotion, rate its intensity on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being no intensity and 10 being the highest intensity. This will help you track your progress as you tap.
EFT tapping points and techniques for sleep
EFT involves tapping on specific acupressure points on the body while repeating affirmations or focusing on the issue at hand. The main tapping points include the top of the head, eyebrow, side of the eye, under the eye, under the nose, chin, collarbone, and under the arm. Use your fingertips to gently tap on each point while stating your chosen affirmation.
For example, if you are experiencing anxiety before sleep, you might tap on the side of your eye while saying, “Even though I feel anxious, I deeply and completely accept myself.” Repeat this process for each tapping point, focusing on the emotion or thought that is interfering with your sleep.
EFT affirmations for a peaceful night’s sleep
Affirmations are positive statements that help reframe negative thoughts and emotions. When practicing EFT for sleep, it’s important to choose affirmations that resonate with your specific concerns. Here are some examples of affirmations you can use:
“I release all tension and anxiety, allowing myself to drift into a peaceful sleep.”
“I let go of the day’s worries and embrace tranquility and serenity.”
“I am deserving of a restful and rejuvenating sleep, free from any disturbances.”
Repeat your chosen affirmation while tapping on the acupressure points, allowing the positive statement to sink deeply into your subconscious mind.
Combining EFT with other relaxation techniques for enhanced results
While EFT can be effective on its own, combining it with other relaxation techniques can further enhance its benefits for sleep. Consider incorporating deep breathing exercises, mindfulness meditation, or aromatherapy into your bedtime routine. These practices can help calm the mind and prepare the body for a restful night’s sleep.
Case studies and success stories of using EFT for sleep
Many individuals have experienced profound improvements in their sleep quality through the practice of EFT. Case studies and success stories highlight the transformative power of this technique. For example, Sarah, a chronic insomniac, found relief from her sleepless nights after incorporating EFT into her nightly routine. She reported feeling more relaxed, calm, and able to fall asleep faster and stay asleep throughout the night.
EFT resources and tools for better sleep
If you’re interested in exploring EFT further for better sleep, there are various resources and tools available to support your journey. Online tutorials, books, and mobile applications can provide guidance and structured EFT sessions tailored specifically for sleep-related issues. Additionally, seeking the guidance of a certified EFT practitioner can offer personalized support and ensure you’re utilizing the technique effectively.
Conclusion: Embracing EFT for a restful and rejuvenating sleep
Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) offers a powerful and holistic approach to achieving a peaceful night’s sleep. By addressing the underlying emotional issues that contribute to sleep disturbances, EFT can help you release stress, anxiety, and unresolved emotions, allowing you to experience deep relaxation and rejuvenation. By incorporating EFT into your bedtime routine and combining it with other relaxation techniques, you can unlock the key to a restful and rejuvenating sleep. Embrace EFT and reclaim your nights for a more vibrant and fulfilling life.
If you’re ready to experience the transformative power of Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) for better sleep, start by incorporating tapping into your bedtime routine today. Explore online resources, books, or seek the guidance of a certified EFT practitioner to ensure you’re utilizing this technique effectively. Embrace EFT and unlock the key to a peaceful and rejuvenating night’s sleep. If you want to learn more about Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) then you might want to visit our online program here.
References:
WebMD – What is EFT?
Wikipedia – Definition of Emotional Freedom Technique
Additional Resources:
Efectiveness of emotional freedom techniques (EFT) vs sleep hygiene education group therapy (SHE) in management of sleep disorders among elderly. Nagwa Souilm, Et Al. Scientific Reports, 12:6521
Comparing the effect of emotional freedom technique on sleep quality and happiness of women undergoing breast cancer surgery in military and nonmilitary families: A quasi-experimental multicenter study. Fatemeh Kalroozi PhD, Et Al. First published: 03 October 2022
Feasibility and effect of emotional freedom therapy on sleep quality in patients with end-stage renal disease receiving maintenance hemodialysis: A pilot study, Xin Tang, Et Al. Geriatric Nursing, Volume 51, 2023, Pages 112-120, ISSN 0197-4572
Comparison of the Effectiveness of Adolescent-Centered Mindfulness (MBCT) and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) on Self-Esteem and Sleep Disorder of Bereaved Adolescents. Taheri A, Et Al. QJCR 2020; 19 (75) :34-64