What is CBT-I?

CBT-I is a form of therapy for sleep that focuses on changing the thoughts and behaviors that contribute to a person's problems. In the case of insomnia, CBT targets the negative thoughts and behaviors that can make it difficult for a person to fall asleep and stay asleep. CBT for insomnia typically involves a combination of techniques, including relaxation training, stimulus control, sleep restriction, and cognitive restructuring.

I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) to help patients explore any underlying thoughts, feelings or current behaviors that may be playing a role in their insomnia.

Sleep diaries, behavioral changes, and relaxation exercises also play a part, and patients will be taught to become their own coach.

What is Insomnia?

Insomnia is a common sleep disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or both.

Insomnia can have a variety of causes, including stress, anxiety, depression, medications, and other medical conditions. Chronic insomnia can have a significant impact on a person's quality of life, leading to daytime fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating.

You might be suffering from insomnia if 3 nights a week or more:

• It takes you forever to fall asleep.

• You find yourself frequently tossing and turning or waking up throughout the night.

• You wake up hours before your alarm is supposed to go off, feeling exhausted.

Notable Benefits

With consistent practice and support, clients can develop long-lasting habits that promote healthy sleep and overall well-being such as:

• Improvement in sleep and daytime function by 70 to 80 percent.

• Reduction in both depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation.

• Increased motivation for healthy lifestyle changes.

• Improved alertness and energy.

• CBT-I has been found to be more effective than sleep medications in the long term. 

• Longer and better-quality sleep.

• Increased energy and concentration during the day.

• Decreased reliance on medication for sleep.

• Reduced daytime fatigue and irritability.