Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I)
For people suffering from chronic insomnia and some other sleep difficulties, I provide Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I). Please read below for more information on this approach.
What is CBT-I?
CBT-I is short, structured, evidence-based type of therapy for people who have trouble falling and staying asleep. It is based upon the concept that chronic insomnia, which can last from months to years, is maintained by physical and behavioral factors that have little or nothing to do with what initially caused the insomnia. That is, acute insomnia takes on “a life of its own” (i.e. acute insomnia becomes chronic). Accordingly, CBT-I targets the factors that have been shown to cause acute insomnia to become chronic. The key components of CBT-I are: stimulus control, sleep restriction, sleep hygiene, and cognitive therapy. CBT-I is a collaborative process and the skills learned in sessions require practice. Homework and keeping a sleep diary are common components of treatment.
What are the potential benefits?
In this treatment, I work with clients to figure out what’s keeping them awake at night and how to improve their sleep, without the use of medication. Research shows that behavioral interventions, such as those used in CBT-I, are as effective as medication and, unlike medication, produce durable results that last after treatment is over. In addition, CBT-I is short-term, typically lasting 6-8 sessions after an initial assessment.
What are the risks?
By engaging in CBT-I, clients make changes in their sleep schedule which eventually result in improved sleep but may result in temporary increases in daytime fatigue and/or sleepiness, and/or memory and concentration difficulties. The biggest risks are driving or operating heavy machinery if experience fatigue or sleepiness.
How do I know if CBT-I is right for me?
Insomnia and other sleep difficulties can be due to several sleep disorders, or even underlying medical conditions. I start with a comprehensive assessment to screen for conditions that are not treatable with CBT-I. I will refer to you an appropriate specialist or sleep disorders clinic if CBT-I is not indicated for your sleep difficulties. =
For more information on CBT-I: https://www.sleepfoundation.org/insomnia/treatment/cognitive-behavioral-therapy-insomnia