CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. - Anxiety, depression, stress and many other factors can greatly hinder a Marine or sailor’s ability to do their job effectively. An emotional or psychological problem can ruin personal and professional relationships as well.

Naval Hospital Camp Lejeune has a newly implemented program called Integrative Restoration, which is a form of yoga-nidra, where during the therapy, participants are in a sleep-like state because of the relaxation.

“It’s a form of self-inquiry,” said Ann-Marie Vaughan, case manager for the psychological ward of NHCL. “It’s about diving deep inside (oneself) and figuring things out, and it’s where the mind can gain its natural ability to remain undistracted.”

The relaxation experienced during the meetings brings a calmness to people who participate in the sessions, according to Vaughan. She said anyone can have their problem solved, or at least have an issue under more control mentally, when they are able to clear their mind for approximately half an hour during the therapy session.

The goal of the class is to target the theta waves of one’s brain. Theta waves are the second slowest waves in the brain and are often associated with sleep and deep relaxation.

“Sometimes people do fall asleep which is normal,” said Vaughan. “Most of the time however, people are in a sleep-like state but are still awake and can hear, listen and comprehend what’s going on around them.”

A normal session lasts for about 20 to 45 minutes but classes can be as short as 15 minutes or as long as 90, depending on the patient’s needs.

Regardless of the length of the session, Vaughan said “When we’re done, many of them will feel like they have slept for three of four hours. They feel rested and rejuvenated, which can help solve issues like insomnia and other problems any given person may have.”

Anyone struggling with anxiety or depression is more than welcome to attend the classes. Vaughan said patients love going to the classes and hate whenever they miss a week’s class.

Vaughan also wanted to stress IREST is not hypnosis. While IREST uses theta and delta brain waves to relax the person, no one is ever under the instructor’s control. People can always comprehend what is going on around them.

NHCL is one of the only military hospitals offering IREST classes, along with the National Naval Medical Center, located in Bethesda, Md.

Anyone interested in participating in an IREST therapy session can contact Vaughan at annmarie.vaughan@med.navy.mil.

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