What is insomnia therapy?
Insomnia therapy is a tailored form of treatment that addresses chronic sleep disturbances, which can include problems with falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing restorative sleep. The goal of Insomnia therapy is to enhance sleep quality, establish healthy sleep routines, and, in turn, improve an individual's overall well-being by mitigating and reducing the adverse effects of persistent sleep deprivation.
How does insomnia therapy work?
Insomnia therapy combines therapeutic approaches, with a central focus on cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) to modify sleep-disrupting thoughts and behaviors, integrating techniques like stimulus control, sleep restriction, and relaxation training. Thriveworks Houston therapists will also emphasize sleep hygiene education and may include mindfulness and relaxation exercises to improve sleep quality, equipping individuals with effective strategies to enhance their sleep and overall well-being.
Symptoms of insomnia
Common symptoms of insomnia include:
- Having a hard time falling asleep
- Waking up in the middle of the night
- Waking up earlier than desired
- Bedtime anxiety about sleeplessness
- Grogginess during the day due to lack of sleep
Should I go to therapy for insomnia?
Symptoms of insomnia often look different for everyone; however, there are some warning signs that can signal the need for insomnia therapy. These include feeling anxious about bedtime, bedtimes getting later and later, energy peaking at night rather than during the day, and drastic caffeine consumption in order to stay awake.
What is the best therapy for insomnia?
Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is one of the most effective forms of therapy for treating insomnia, working to modify sleep-disrupting thoughts and behaviors through strategies like sleep hygiene and sleep restriction.
Is insomnia therapy conducted in person or online?
Insomnia therapy at Thriveworks Houston is conducted both in person and online by video. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.
How long should you go to therapy for insomnia?
The duration of insomnia therapy can vary based on the individual's needs and progress in treatment. Typically, it involves a short series of sessions over a few weeks to a couple of months, with the number and length of sessions decided in consultation with the therapist. Some experience better sleep within this time, while others choose longer therapy to address complex sleep issues or maintain good sleep habits.
How long does CBT take to work for insomnia?
Many people start to see improvements in their sleep patterns after about two to three weeks of CBT-I. However, the duration and effectiveness will differ for everyone, so don't worry if it takes a bit longer to have a strong effect.
Need more help deciding?
Counseling for Insomnia in Houston, TX
Thriveworks Counseling in Houston, TX offers insomnia counseling sessions because we know just how important sleep can be to mental and physical health.
What Are the Side Effects of Insomnia?
Among the many potential side effects that you could experience when you fight insomnia are the following issues:
- Irritability during the day
- Inability to focus on the task at hand
- Poor performance on the job
- Damaged personal and professional relationships
- General lack of enjoyment of your day to day life
Without enough sleep at night, you will never be your best during the day. Work with a Thriveworks therapist to get started back on the path to better rest.
How Can a Therapist Help with Insomnia?
Some of the following therapies may be used to help combat your insomnia symptoms, such as:
Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I): Focuses on changing negative thoughts and behaviors that contribute to insomnia, incorporating techniques such as sleep restriction, stimulus control, and relaxation training.
Medication therapy: Involves the use of prescription medications, such as sedative-hypnotics or antidepressants, to help manage insomnia symptoms, although these are typically used for short-term relief due to potential dependency and side effects.
Light therapy: Involves exposure to bright light, particularly in the morning, to regulate the body’s internal clock and improve sleep-wake patterns, often used for individuals with circadian rhythm disorders.
Relaxation techniques: Include practices such as progressive muscle relaxation, deep breathing exercises, guided imagery, and mindfulness meditation to promote relaxation and reduce stress, aiding in better sleep quality.
Sleep hygiene education: Involves educating individuals about healthy sleep habits and lifestyle changes that can improve sleep, such as maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, creating a conducive sleep environment, and limiting caffeine and alcohol intake before bedtime.
Alternative therapies: May include acupuncture, yoga, or herbal supplements, although evidence for their effectiveness in treating insomnia varies and should be used with caution under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Schedule with Thriveworks Houston Today
To take action and fight back against your insomnia problem, contact us today to learn more about the insomnia therapy sessions that we offer right here in Houston, TX. Simply give us a call or schedule online to get started.
Stress, Bipolar Disorder, OCD / Obsessive-Compulsive, Sleep / Insomnia, Anxiety, +2 more 
