About Insomnia
Insomnia affects as many as 20-40% of adults and represents an immense burden in terms of human suffering, economic costs, and other consequences to the individual and society.
The many available sleep medications, whether prescribed or over the counter, can have unwanted side effects, lose effectiveness over time, foster dependency, and bolster the belief that the cure for insomnia comes from something external. Most importantly, however, these sleep aids don't cure insomnia because they don't treat the causes.
Unfortunately, many insomniacs believe they have only two alternatives: take sleeping pills or live with the problem.
What Helps?
Over 20 years of research on cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for insomnia indicates that CBT is highly effective in the treatment of insomnia. The success of CBT is based on a central theme: insomnia can only be treated by addressing all of the underlying causes. In most instances, the causes of insomnia are thoughts (cognitions) and behaviors (habits) which are learned and can be unlearned. Some examples include:
- Negative, distorted thoughts and beliefs about insomnia;
- Going to bed too early or sleeping too late;
- Trying to control sleep rather than letting it happen;
- Lying awake in bed, frustrated and tense.
Treatment Is Available
A six session CBT program for insomnia is available. This program was developed at Harvard Medical School and the University of Massachusetts Medical School and is based on over 20 years of research and clinical practice involving over 10,000 patients. In a published study, 100% of the patients treated with this program improved sleep and 90% of those treated decreased or eliminated the use of sleeping pills.
The goal of this program is to improve sleep. It will also teach you clinically and scientifically proven relaxation and stress-reduction techniques, which can enhance health and well-being.
for more information
401.273.3322 Ext. 4