Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I)

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Insomnia is believed to affect approximately one in three adults!

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CBT-I is a very effective treatment that focuses on exploring the connection between the way we think, the things we do, and how we sleep.

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Treatment often takes from 6-12 sessions, although the length may differ depending on a person’s needs. 

 

CBT-I is often called a multicomponent treatment because it combines several different approaches:

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• Changing thinking patterns: Cognitive restructuring attempts to change inaccurate or unhelpful thoughts about sleep.

• Behavioral change: Relaxation training, stimulus control, and sleep restriction promote relaxation and help to establish healthy sleep habits.

• Psychoeducational interventions: Providing information about the connection between thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and sleep is central to CBT-I.

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When these techniques are used together, as many as 70% - 80% of patients with primary insomnia experience improvements. Benefits include less time to fall asleep, more time spent asleep, and waking up less during sleep. Results are often maintained over years!

 

The American College of Physicians recommends that all adult patients receive CBT-I as a first-line approach. In some patients, CBT-I is more effective than medications. 

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