What Type of Therapy is indicated for People With Insomnia?
Insomnia is a sleeping disorder that causes difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early and not being able to return to sleep. Treatment for insomnia may involve medication as well as behavioral therapy.
Nondrug Therapies – Nonmedical treatments like acupuncture, light therapy, yoga and tai chi can help you get a better night’s sleep without the side effects of medications. Before trying any of these options it’s important to consult your doctor or therapist first as some may work better for you than others; thus why it is so important to discuss them beforehand.
Behavior Therapy – Behavior therapy helps you recognize and alter behaviors that disrupt sleep. It can aid in creating good sleeping habits as well as improving relaxation skills, both of which are essential elements for getting a restful night’s rest.
Your therapist can also help you examine and challenge any negative thoughts that are keeping you from sleeping well. These thoughts may make it appear like there are more obstacles to sleep than there actually are; for instance, you may think you must take a particular medication in order to fall asleep, or that if you don’t use it then you won’t be able to rest properly.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) teaches you to recognize and challenge negative thoughts, replacing them with healthier ones that promote sleep. It has proven successful for both long-term and short-term conditions like insomnia.
Hypnosis – A hypnotherapist can lead you through a hypnotic session to help you relax and open up to suggestions. Many people find that hypnosis can be effective for treating insomnia.
Exercise – Exercising regularly can make you feel refreshed and sleepier, as well as help manage stress and anxiety – both factors in sleep problems.
Lifestyle Changes – Altering your diet, abstaining from alcohol and caffeine before bed, and setting consistent wake and sleep times can all help you sleep better at night. Remember, getting adequate rest is essential for health and happiness; so make the changes that will benefit you the most.
Medication – If your insomnia is due to a medical condition such as diabetes or menopause, a doctor or sleep specialist can provide medications that may be beneficial. They will advise you on which medication would work best for you and how often it should be taken.
Benzodiazepines and nonbenzodiazepines – These prescription medications help you fall asleep quickly and stay asleep through the night. Although they’re usually only taken temporarily, they may cause side effects like drowsiness or daytime sleepiness, as well as addictive properties if used excessively over an extended period of time.
Belsomra (suvorexant) and daridorexant (Quviviq) – These medications block orexin receptors in the brain and may be taken either for short-term therapy or as a maintenance drug to help prevent relapses.
Antidepressants – Antidepressants can be prescribed for short-term therapy to treat insomnia. Compared to other drugs, they may have fewer side effects and can be taken for extended periods of time.
