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 Columbia 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 Columbia 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, Columbia, SC
If you’re ready for better nights and days, the counselors at Thriveworks in Columbia, SC, offer a multi-faceted approach to guide you toward better sleep.
Call our office today at (803) 573-9453 to schedule your session.
Sleepless Nights, Drowsy Days
Sleep is essential for restoring your body’s immune, nervous, skeletal, and muscular systems, as well as improving cognitive ability and memory. Lack of sleep can lead to:
- Weight gain
- Irritability
- Inability to focus
- Increased risk for mental and physical diseases
- Decreased sex drive
- Lower job performance
Insomnia is a common sleep disorder that prevents restorative sleep. Symptoms can include waking in the middle of the night, difficulty falling asleep, feeling exhausted despite sleeping all night, or waking up too early.
Causes of Insomnia
Insomnia can stem from various physical and mental causes:
- Physical: Diet, exercise, chronic pain, hyperthyroidism, menopause, and diabetes.
- Mental: Depression, anxiety, stress, and life changes.
- Other: Sometimes insomnia occurs without any obvious accompanying health problems.
Insomnia Counseling for Better Nights, Better Days
Many people suffering from sleep disorders have seen significant improvement through cognitive and behavioral therapy. Insomnia counseling at Thriveworks in Columbia, SC, offers a holistic approach that includes practical sleep strategies and addresses underlying causes.
Practical Sleep Strategies
- Keeping a Sleep Log: Identifying your sleep problems is the first step. Our counselors work individually with clients to track their sleep habits.
- Cultivating Sleep Hygiene: Daily habits affect nightly sleep. Our counselors help you identify and improve habits that promote good sleep.
- Maintaining an Optimal Sleep Environment: Factors like light, time, noise, and temperature can affect sleep. We help you create a sleep-friendly environment.
Addressing Underlying Causes
Holistic therapy also addresses the root causes of insomnia. Unhealthy thinking patterns and anxieties about sleep can worsen insomnia. Our therapy focuses on:
- Identifying and replacing unhealthy beliefs with rational, positive thinking.
- Regaining control of anxious thoughts through professional guidance and practice.
Our Counselors Want to Help
Are you ready for a full, restorative night’s sleep? Call Thriveworks in Columbia, SC, to schedule your insomnia counseling appointment at (803) 573-9453.
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