Key Points

• Assessment and Diagnosis: The first step in therapy is a thorough assessment to understand the nature and causes of insomnia. This includes evaluating sleep patterns, underlying medical or psychological issues, and lifestyle factors.
• Sleep Education: Patients are educated about the importance of sleep, sleep cycles, and healthy sleep hygiene practices. Understanding these basics can help individuals make necessary lifestyle changes.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I): CBT-I is often the primary therapeutic approach for insomnia. It focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with sleep. Techniques may include sleep restriction, stimulus control, relaxation training, and cognitive restructuring.
• Medication Management: In some cases, doctors may prescribe medication as a short-term solution for severe insomnia. However, therapy typically emphasizes non-pharmacological interventions to minimize the risk of dependence.
• Sleep Hygiene: Therapists provide guidance on establishing a sleep-conducive environment and adopting healthy sleep habits, such as maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, limiting caffeine and alcohol intake, and creating a comfortable sleep environment.