![]() Sleep problems differ from person to person. In weekly meetings, individuals learn basic sleep facts versus myths, the triggers that elicit sleep and how to use these triggers to improve their sleep problems, two highly effective relaxation strategies to manage night-time mood and specific, individually tailored guidance on improving sleep. By using approaches that address inefficiencies in both these systems, cognitive-behavioral strategies can produce long-lasting improvements in sleep quality. When people experience insomnia, they are experiencing breakdowns in both of these systems. The foundation of this research is that there are two separate functional systems involved in generating and maintaining good sleep: one is based on sleep debt and the other is based on our internal body clock. ![]() The secret to understanding why these approaches work while others do not is that cognitive-behavioral approaches are rooted in extensive neuroscience research. Cognitive-behavioral approaches have been so effective that the American Academy of Sleep Medicine describes them as the first line treatment for chronic primary insomnia.Īt PCH Treatment Center, our approach is unlike any other psychological program in that cognitive-behavioral approaches for insomnia are integrated into our treatment planning for each client. These cognitive-behavioral approaches do not rely on traditional medications, but instead are based on three premises stating that insomnia is perpetuated by: 1) a set of poor sleep habits 2) a poor sleep environment 3) night-time worries, frustrations and despair. Recently however, psychologists have developed highly effective approaches for helping people fall asleep quicker, stay asleep longer and manage night-time racing thoughts that so often can disrupt restful sleep. Despite the fact that poor sleep is a central symptom of depressive, bipolar and anxiety disorders, psychological treatments have traditionally neglected the importance of healthy sleep. The Client’s family history is also explored, as well as any history of drug or alcohol abuse, which can also disrupt sleep cycles.Ī person with disordered sleep and underlying psychological problems may require intensive treatment. Depression, Bipolar Disorder and anxiety disorders are frequently associated with sleep problems. A full psychological and psychiatric evaluation is needed, as well, to determine if underlying psychological issues are causing disordered sleep. Sleep studies can be done off-site, to characterize the specific type of sleep disorder. A thorough medical history is necessary, to elicit problems related to airway obstruction (obstructive sleep apnea), or other medical conditions responsible for the sleep problems. In severe cases sleep studies may be necessary. Sleep Disorders or insomnia should be evaluated by a mental health professional. Further daytime impairment may occur when a person with a sleep disorders takes stimulants during the day to stay awake. Impaired motor coordination may result in difficulties operating equipment or driving a motor vehicle. ![]() Due to disordered sleep patterns, they may have anxiety or feel irritable or angry during the day. ![]() ![]() They may have difficulty concentrating at work or school. Persons with sleep disorders may have difficulty staying awake during the day, feeling fatigued or exhausted. Insomnia can be a prime indicator of underlying psychological difficulties. Psychological issues such as depression, mania, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, or Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) also go hand in hand with disordered sleep. Specific medical conditions which disrupt sleep include sleep apnea (obstructive or central), restless leg syndrome, periodic limb movement disorder, and disorders of circadian rhythms. Medical problems such as obesity (obstructive sleep apnea, snoring), chronic pain, chronic fatigue, acid reflux disease, asthma, coronary artery disease with chest pain, arthritis, smoking, and neurological problems can cause sleep disorders. Substance abuse issues can also cause sleep problems, such as withdrawal from alcohol, drugs, or medications. Transient or short-term insomnia can be related to time changes (jet-lag, travel), altitude, change in medications, life-stress (loss of a loved one, job loss, divorce or separation), and poor sleep conditions (noise, light, disruptive bed partner). Insomnia or sleep disturbance can be caused by many factors. ![]()
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