Why is relaxation therapy beneficial for treating sleep disorders?

Relaxation therapy is beneficial for treating sleep disorders primarily because it helps reduce anxiety and prepares the body for sleep. When individuals experience anxiety or stress, it can create a heightened state of alertness, making it difficult to unwind and fall asleep. Relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or mindfulness meditation, can effectively lower physiological and psychological stress levels, creating a more conducive environment for sleep.

By alleviating anxious thoughts and calming the mind, relaxation therapy helps improve the overall ability to transition into sleep. This enhanced state of relaxation allows for a smoother winding down process, leading to better sleep onset and potentially improving sleep quality as well. While relaxation therapy may have indirect effects on factors like sleep duration or reliance on medications, its primary function is in modulating anxiety, which is a key barrier to achieving restful sleep.