Insomnia

Insomnia sometimes holds our sleep hostage because of temporary stresses due to our jobs, family, or even jet lag. This kind of insomnia typically last for less than a month and resolves itself when the stress reduces. However, many people will have insomnia that persists for months or even years. It is estimated that 1 in 10 adults or 10% of the adult population, has this form of chronic insomnia. Although, prescription sleep medication may be effective for short bouts of Insomnia, our clinic does not believe that sleeping pills should be used for Chronic or Long Term Insomnia. Sleeping pills that are prescribed for Chronic Insomnia do not properly address the underlying causes of the Insomnia like depression or anxiety. They simply mask them, just like sweeping dust under the rug. Those that take sleeping pills for the long term find out that they eventually become less effective and/or they become dependent on them.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

CBT has proven to be equally as effective as medications in the short term and even better in the long term for the treatment of Chronic Insomnia. This kind of sleep specific therapy is delivered by our sleep specialist in a one-on-one setting. She will combine a number of strategies specifically designed to address the factors that are contributing to your insomnia. This clinic visit typically lasts 30-90 minutes and are scheduled weekly or as needed. Many have reported that they value these sessions over sleeping pills because they play an active role in their treatment.