Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a proven treatment for insomnia, a sleep disorder that affects 25 million-30 million US adults. Medications and other therapies can help you get better quality sleep, but CBT can be an essential component to improved health and wellness.
Stat Care Pulmonary and Sleep specializes in diagnosing, treating, and preventing insomnia and other sleep disorders.
Our skilled sleep specialists, Himanshi Chandarana, MD, and Ashok Tyagi, DO, CPE, focus on the least invasive treatment to help you fall asleep more easily and stay asleep through the night.
Insomnia is when you have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep.
Occasional (acute) insomnia can be a side effect of situational stress, an inconsistent sleep schedule due to travel or bad habits, and alcohol or drug use. Excessive use of electronics and too much screen time, especially right before bed, can also disrupt natural sleep cycles.
Chronic insomnia that persists for months can result from:
Another sleep disorder, such as sleep apnea or restless leg syndrome, may make you more susceptible to insomnia.
The goal of CBT to treat insomnia is to teach you how to recognize and change negative thoughts and belief patterns that interfere with sleep.
Working with a trained therapist, you learn real-time strategies that interrupt anxious or worrying thoughts throughout the day and before you fall asleep. A therapist can also help you train your body and mind to relax and not fight sleep.
Research shows cognitive behavioral therapy to be more effective than sleep medications, although results vary from person to person based on several factors.
Our sleep specialists offer referrals to area therapists, often before they recommend medications. We also provide comprehensive sleep studies in a professional lab to identify underlying sleep disorders.
The therapist asks questions about your lifestyle, sleep habits, and health to identify the best way to help you. Try to be open and honest about your feelings, thoughts, and behaviors so they can gain a clear understanding of your needs and the potential causes of insomnia.
They evaluate the information you share and can provide personalized suggestions to help you challenge beliefs, thoughts, and behaviors.
The number of sessions you need depends on many factors. Your therapist may suggest 6-8 sessions or more to give you an opportunity to learn valuable tools to use moving forward.
Our Stat Care Pulmonary and Sleep experts continue to monitor your progress with CBT to determine if you need additional treatment. They offer short-term medications, sleep apnea treatments, and other therapies to support your long-term health.
Call Stat Care Pulmonary and Sleep in St. Petersburg, Florida, today to schedule an insomnia evaluation.
