RECLAIMING SLEEP: A WORKSHOP FOR RESTLESS NIGHTS

Jinny Gupta

This is a 90-minute, in-person workshop for people whose sleep has become difficult or disrupted. It looks at why sleep breaks down, especially through midlife when hormonal changes are part of the picture, and at why worrying about sleep often keeps us awake longer than the original cause. We'll use evidence-based cognitive behavioural approaches to insomnia, mindfulness, and some time with the anxious, critical voice that tends to show up in the small hours. It's a workshop, so there is writing, pair conversation and a guided practice, not just listening.

Jinny is a psychotherapist, not a sleep specialist. She came to this through my own stretch of disrupted sleep and put the workshop together from what she found genuinely helps, alongside her clinical training.

Who is the event for?

Anyone finding sleep difficult: waking in the night, lying awake with a busy mind, or feeling that sleep has become something you have to fight for. You might be going through perimenopause or menopause, or dealing with stress, a life change or a long run of bad nights. You don't need any experience of therapy or mindfulness. It is not a substitute for medical care, and if you suspect a sleep disorder such as sleep apnoea, your GP is the right first step.

What will you learn?

·       Why sleep changes at midlife, in plain language, including a brief overview of hormones and HRT as information to take to your GP or menopause specialist

·       Why trying harder to sleep tends to backfire, and what to do instead

·       How to spot and reframe the catastrophic thoughts that build up around sleep

·       How to relate differently to the 3am voice, rather than being run by it

·       Practical sleep habits, kept simple

·       A short, guided practice you can use that night

Why should you come?

Because sleep trouble is exhausting, and it often comes with shame or self-blame that makes it worse. This is a chance to sit in a room with other people who know what it is like, get clear, honest information, and try some tools while you're there. It's small, in person, and low cost. You'll be taking part rather than being talked at, and nobody is asked to share more than they choose to.

What will you take away?

·       A clearer understanding of what is happening in your sleep and why

·       One or two practical tools you can try the same night

·       A different way of responding to anxious thoughts in the night

·       A guided practice to use whenever you're awake and can't settle

·       Pointers on where to go next if you want more support

For this workshop, wear comfortable clothing and please bring your own:

• Water bottle
• A pen and notepad (there is some short private writing)
• Cushion or blanket (optional) - if you would like extra comfort

Drop-ins can not be accommodated at this time so please book in advance.

Please note: The Isbourne operates a minimum number policy. This means that if our minimum number is not met 24 hours before the session is scheduled to run, then we reserve the right to cancel the session. If you have paid a set fee for the cancelled session, you will get a full refund. Donations are non-refundable. We, therefore, advise customers to secure their place as soon as possible to avoid any disappointment. The Isbourne’s minimum number policy is under the guidance of the tutor running the session. Thank you for your understanding.

VENUE: THE ISBOURNE CENTRE, 2 WOLSELEY TERRACE, CHELTENHAM GL50 1TH