​Symptoms of Insomnia

• Occurs when there is adequate opportunities for sleep but the ability to sleep is compromised

• You have difficulty falling asleep, inability to maintain sleep, and/or problems returning to sleep after awakening

• Your sleep disturbance(s) cause significant daytime impairment

• You've been dealing with this problem for at least one month for three or more days a week

• You're starting to feel like your insomnia has taken a life of it’s own

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Side Effects of Insomnia​

If you are suffering from insomnia you might be experiencing some of the following symptoms. 

• Mood and motivation changes

• Impaired attention/concentration

• Memory loss for recent events

• Illusions/hallucinations

• Failure to perform regular routines

• Physical tiredness

• Failed verbal communication

• Social discomfort

• Increased health problems

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CBT-I Treatment for Insomnia

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) Is a non-medication treatment for insomnia. CBT-I considers the thoughts, feelings and behaviors that we engage in and the impact these have on our sleep. It involves 6 to 8 sessions of talk therapy treatment where you will receive help in discovering your feelings, thoughts and behaviors and how these contribute to your sleep behaviors.The process begins with an intake appointment where your provider will evaluate your sleep troubles as well as assess for other behavioral, social, and biological stressors in your life. We want to make sure insomnia is the primary issue before prescribing CBT-I as an appropriate treatment protocol. It's possible that Brief Behavioral Treatment for Insomnia (BBT-I) might be a more appropriate fit for you if you are in an acute phase of insomnia brought on by a new or temporary stressor. BBT-I is a shorter treatment protocol, often completed in 4-6 sessions. Treatment for both protocols involves the use of a sleep log, psycho-education about sleep and the coaching of skills to maintain better habits to foster the conditions to fall asleep and stay asleep and leave you feeling rested in the morning.

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FAQs about CBT-I and BBT-I

 

I'm currently taking sleep medication to help me sleep, do I have to stop taking that to begin treatment?

No you do not. Most people suffering from insomnia have tried either prescription or over the counter medication to treat their insomnia. This medication, however is supposed to be a short term solution for insomnia so likely if you are taking this medication and are looking for a non-medication option, you have likely realized the medication is not working. Together we can work to wean you off this medication alongside your treatment for insomnia. Consultation and collaboration with your healthcare provider might be required depending on your specific case. 

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How effective is CBT-I for treating insomnia?

The Association 

 

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References

• International OCD Foundation. (n.d.). How is OCD treated? International OCD Foundation. Retrieved February 18, 2022, from https://iocdf.org/about-ocd/ocd-treatment/ 

• Mayo Clinic. (2020, March 11). Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved February 18, 2022, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/obsessive-compulsive-disorder/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354438 

• Reichenberg, L. W., & Seligman, L. (2016). Selecting effective treatments: A comprehensive systematic guide to treating mental disorders. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 

• Samantaray, N. N., Kar, N., & Singh, P. (2019). Four-session cognitive behavioral therapy for the management of obsessive-compulsive disorder using a metaphor for conceptualization: A case report. Indian journal of psychiatry, 61(4), 424–426. https://doi.org/10.4103/psychiatry.IndianJPsychiatry_92_19