Can’t sleep? You’re not alone. Insomnia is one of the most common sleep disorders; according to the Sleep Foundation, about 10% of adults in America struggle with insomnia. It can have a significantly negative impact on one’s quality of life, impairing daytime functions and causing many frustrating symptoms.

Currently, the most highly recommended treatment method is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia, or CBTi. When applied to the problem of sleeplessness, CBTi focuses on developing habits and thought patterns that promote sleep. This is a clinically approved treatment method that doesn’t rely on sleeping pills.

The National Institute of Health confirms that CBTi is an effective and drug-free way to successfully treat insomnia. Randomized clinical trials have shown that most patients, even those with a long history of insomnia, benefit from this type of therapy.

CBTi can be even more effective than sleeping pills and powerful medications, which usually offer only temporary relief for people dealing with insomnia. Results show that treatment with CBTi can provide long-lasting improvement in the quality and duration of sleep.

Learn more: Research Shows that Drug-Free CBTi Treatment for Insomnia is Effective and How CBT Can Be Used to Treat Somniphobia.

Cognitive behavioral therapy is training to modify both the mental and behavioral activities that lead to chronic insomnia. CBT for insomnia works to replace disruptive thoughts and habits with others designed to promote healthy sleep patterns.

It’s very upsetting to be uncertain of what each night will bring. In this type of therapy, addresses the thought processes which contribute to insomnia, including worrying and racing thoughts. In many cases, cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques for insomnia are also beneficial for patients in becoming more organized, focused, and in control when faced with the normal stress of daily life.

Another fundamental aspect of CBTi is establishing healthy sleep behaviors. For people suffering with sleeplessness, it’s common to have an unpredictable sleep pattern. That’s why it can help to create a ‘pro-sleep’ routine which makes going to bed a positive and predictable experience. Patients who stick with the routine often find they have more success and better sleep in the long term.

For patients, this type of therapy usually requires weekly visits with a specialized doctor. Over the course of a few weeks, the clinician will run a series of assessments, set realistic goals based on the patient’s history and assign some exercises to do at home. Sessions also involve coaching the patient on techniques which help improve sleep maintenance or the capacity to fall asleep faster.

Sleep Health Solutions is a specialized sleep screening clinic. We work together with you and your physician to accurately diagnose the problem that is keeping you from getting restorative sleep. Our clinicians also provide the information needed develop a successful treatment plan.

Dr. Rosenberg and his staff have experience helping people to effectively manage the symptoms of this common sleep disorder using CBTi. Contact our office for more information on cognitive-behavioral therapy for chronic insomnia.