Insomnia
BEHAVIOURAL SLEEP MEDICINE CLINIC
Most people are chronically sleep-deprived.
Sleep deprivation can lead to fatigue, reduced ability to think clearly, maintain attention, and retrieve information from memory.
This can lead to reduced emotional control (which can show in irritability and reactivity), and can lead to increased insomnia.
The Facts
1. Insomnia, when present for more than 1 month, is unlikely to "go away"
2. Most self-management strategies are not effective (e.g. will power, self control, supplements, warm milk, etc).
3. Allowing insomnia to go untreated may negatively impact your quality of life, work, performance, and increase your risk for things like accidents and injuries, medical illness and psychiatric illness.
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Types of Insomnia
Which Type are You?
1. Initial Insomnia (trouble falling asleep)
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2. Middle Insomnia (sleep is broken/choppy)
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3. Late Insomnia (early morning awakenings (e.g. 3am consistently)
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CBT-I
BACKED BY DECADES OF RESEARCH FOR THE TREATMENT OF INSOMNIA
About Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia
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The Facts
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1. Good short and long-term efficacy
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2. No issues with drug-drug interactions
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3. Does not alter sleep architecture
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4. No rebound insomnia
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5. No abuse potential
your first appointment
ERINN WILL TAKE GOOD CARE OF YOU
Erinn is trained in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia. There is a large scientific literature that shows that behavioural interventions are as effective as medication and, unlike medications, produce durable results that last after treatment is discontinued.
What to Expect
1. Comprehensive Intake and Sleep Assessments
2. Review of Medical & Mental Health History
3. Review of Medications
4. Discussion on recommended treatment CBT-I and/or supplemental provider referral
5. Discussion on consultation with prescribing provider (if needed)
6. Weekly Treatment towards your goals for treatment x 8 sessions
Frequently Asked Questions
If I have Insomnia along with another medical or mental health concern, is CBT-I still good for me?
Yes. The first-line treatment for insomnia (CBT-I) has been shown to be as effective for these kinds of insomnia's as it is for insomnia that occurs in the absence of such complications.
Will I be prescribed sleeping pills?
While this is not a first-line approach in our clinic, there are some instances where some form of medical therapy is indicated. When it comes to medication, consultation will occur between your prescriber and you.
Will I be required to discontinue sleeping pills?
More than likely, if the approach you were currently using were effective, you would not be seeking treatment here. Continuing your sleeping medication is possible, but will likely require more than the typical recommeded treatments due to how they can complicate the treatment.
