Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - Insomnia (CBT-I)

What is cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) is a structured, evidence-based therapeutic approach aimed at treating insomnia by addressing both the cognitive and behavioral factors that contribute to sleep difficulties. It is considered the gold standard treatment for chronic insomnia and is recommended as a first-line treatment by organizations such as the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.

The success of the CBT-I is based on a central theme: insomnia can only be treated by addressing the underlying causes. In most instances, the primary causes of chronic insomnia are sleep thoughts (which we call “cognitions”) and sleep behaviors (which we call “habits”) which are learned and therefore can be unlearned.

CBT-I differs from other forms of CBT and other psychological therapies because it:

·       ➢  Produces rapid improvement in sleep in five treatment sessions over six weeks.

·       ➢  Is more physiologically, behaviorally, and quantitatively based.

·       ➢  Involves a primary symptom that is concrete and measurable using a sleep diary.

This allows the clinician and client to see compliance with treatment goals, and objective changes in the presenting symptom, on a weekly basis.