Insomnia and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Insomnia is more than not sleeping well. It’s characterized by consistently having trouble falling asleep and staying asleep. A serious health issue if left untreated, chronic insomnia can disrupt your life and damage your health. Numerous studies have shown a link between consistently poor sleep and depression, anxiety disorders, diabetes and even heart disease. Worst of all, it robs you of a productive, fulfilling life. If you’re suffering from insomnia, you know it leaves you exhausted during the day and interferes with work, your family life and your social activities. When you’re this tired, you don’t want to do anything!

Without treatment, insomnia usually will not just go away. For some, medication is the answer; but for most, this option has unwanted side effects. Medication, alone, does not address factors feeding insomnia and sometimes can cause “rebound insomnia” when medication is stopped. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy can help.

A Drug-Free Treatment With Lasting Success.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has been used for years to successfully treat everything from anxiety to chronic pain. Studies now show that 70% to 80% of people with chronic insomnia see improvement with CBT treatment. In fact, many sleep specialists use CBT as their first-choice insomnia treatment. Best of all, these studies show that the sleep improvement lasts for years after treatment is finished. That’s because CBT puts the power in your hands and teaches you how to gain control over your sleep. With this treatment, good sleep becomes a way of life.

How Does CBT Work?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy tackles the problem from two connected angles – a mind and body approach. From the cognitive or “mind” side, CBT helps change your thought processes so they don’t interfere with sleep. You know what it’s like to lie there with your mind racing, worrying about tomorrow. With this therapy, you’ll learn to restructure these thoughts so you can relax as you fall asleep. The cognitive approach also helps you change your attitudes towards sleep and teaches you how to deal with your worries during the day.

The second half is the behavioral or “body” component to help reset your sleep-wake cycle. This involves teaching simple sleep strategies like avoiding daytime naps and limiting computer or TV screen time, to using more complex techniques like sleep restriction or relaxation training. The Sleep Wellness Institute is experienced in using CBT to help people just like you. Our clinical licensed psychologist will thoroughly investigate your sleep issues and work closely with you to choose specific, easy-to-learn insomnia solutions.

By working together, we can help you take charge of this mind and body connection that will give you the ability to sleep well every night, without medication.
CBT therapy at the Sleep Wellness Institute is conducted by Lisa M. Cottrell, Ph.D., licensed clinical psychologist and sleep behaviorist. Dr. Cottrell earned her doctoral degree at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, where she also serves as research supervisor and an instructor. She previously worked as a school psychologist and a diagnostician/testing specialist.

To make an appointment to see Dr. Cottrell, call 414-336-3000.