Approximately 70 million Americans struggle with insomnia. Chronic lack of sleep is associated with physical conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, immune system deficiency and chronic pain. Chronic lack of sleep can have a negative impact on concentration and be a cause of weight gain.
Just as importantly, insomnia is linked to mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety as well as increased stress in relationships.
On the average, clients wait 10 years before seeking treatment for insomnia. Often, by the time they present to my office they feel that they have tried a number of
strategies, such as eliminating caffeine in the afternoon, limiting their screen time in the evening and taking sleeping pills in increasing dosages.
Despite their best attempts, frequently their problem persists. They feel tired and irritable during the day, fighting to stay awake at important events. At times they try to catch up on sleep during the day or get to sleep earlier, only to find themselves repeating the sleepless night cycle again and again.
The American College of Physicians and the US Veterans Administration has recommended Cognitive Behavior Therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) as the preferred treatment for insomnia.
CBT-I helps to identify and overcome the root causes of sleep difficulties and facilitate a good night’s sleep. It is designed to be a relatively short- term treatment, with clients often experiencing long term benefits frequently beginning in as little as a few weeks.
Utilizing CBT-I, I work with clients to design a program based on realistic expectations concerning the amount and quality of sleep specific to the individual.
I collaborate with my clients to design an individualized program that optimizes the amount and quality of sleep that they need. The process requires motivation and practice, but the benefits of eliminating insomnia are well worth it.