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 Westminster 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 Westminster 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?
It’s hard to imagine anyone who doesn’t enjoy a sound sleep which leaves them feeling rested and ready to go the next morning. Even if you aren’t someone who wants to sleep for nine or ten hours at a time, you certainly cherish the sleep that you do get. Sleep is a basic human need, and without it, none of us are able to function up to our potential.
With that in mind, it is not hard to see why insomnia can be such a debilitating condition. When you are struggling to sleep, everything that you take for granted suddenly becomes more difficult. Whether it is your ability to focus at the office or pay attention to traffic behind the wheel, life in general is more difficult when you are fatigued. If you find yourself currently struggling with a degree of insomnia in or around the Westminster area, we would love to help. Our insomnia therapy services are no guaranteed cure, but they certainly do offer you an opportunity to regain those crucial hours of sleep each night.
One of the frustrating aspects of insomnia is how it can seemingly come on out of nowhere. People who once sleep soundly all night long may find themselves lying on the bed wide awake without any explanation. Some of the potential underlying causes of insomnia can include –
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Stress – either from work or from your personal life
- Trauma
No matter what it is that has caused you to struggle with insomnia, the key is getting to the bottom of the problem as soon as possible. Whether the eventual cure is counseling for insomnia or some other treatment, the only thing that matters is getting you the sleep that you need.
We are proud to offer the people of Westminster our counseling for insomnia services. If you would like to give us a call at your convenience, we will be happy to review your treatment options and help you get started on the path toward better sleep.
