A separate AASM survey found that 91% of people admitted they have stayed up too late binge-watching TV.

Phones and televisions are a normal part of daily life, but they may also cost us valuable sleep. Recent research shows that screen use at night can raise the risk of insomnia and shorten sleep.

What researchers found

A study published in Frontiers in Psychiatry in March 2025 examined screen use in bed among nearly 40,000 university students in Norway. Researchers compared different activities, such as social media use, streaming, surfing, listening to audio books or music, gaming or studying, to see how they affected sleep.

The findings showed a link between more screen time and worse sleep. Each one-hour increase of screen time after going to bed was tied to a 59% higher chance of having symptoms of insomnia. Students also slept an average of 24 minutes less per night for every extra hour of screen use. Over time, those lost minutes can add up to hours of missed sleep each week.

Another study, published in JAMA Network Open in March 2025, looked at screen use in adults across the United States and Puerto Rico. The results were striking. Compared with people who avoided screens, those who used them before bed had a 33% higher rate of poor sleep quality. They also slept about 50 minutes less each week. On workdays, nightly screen users slept an average of 7.6 minutes less per night. On nonworkdays, they slept about 5 minutes less.

These numbers may sound small, but the effect builds night after night. Less sleep can mean lower energy, reduced focus and long-term health concerns. Together, these studies add to a growing body of evidence showing that screen habits affect both the quality and quantity of sleep.

How to take back your bedtime

The good news is that small changes can make a big difference. Here are some ways to start:

• Turn off devices early. Power down electronics at least 30 to 60 minutes before bed.
• Move your phone. Keep it in another room if possible. If you use it as an alarm, try a clock instead.
• Create a routine. Reading, journaling or a warm shower can help your body wind down.
• Stick to a schedule. Going to bed and waking up at the same time each day supports healthy sleep.
• Silence alerts. If you must keep your phone nearby, turn off notifications so they don’t disturb you.

The takeaway

Digital media use is here to stay, but that doesn’t mean it has to interfere with sleep. Even small losses add up, and poor sleep can affect your health, mood and daily life. By limiting screens before bed and building a calming routine, you can protect your rest and feel better during the day.

Medical review by Ahmed Saleh, MD

Related:

• How technology is helping – and hurting – your sleep
• Improve your sleep in five simple steps
• Best ways to improve sleep without medication
• Many men are losing sleep to play video games and drink alcohol

Authored by: Kate Robards

The post Screen time and sleep: What new studies reveal appeared first on Sleep Education.

“Insomnia is more than just a restless night, it’s a public health problem affecting millions of Americans,” said Emerson Wickwire, who has a doctorate in psychology and is on the board of directors of the AASM. “We want to empower individuals to recognize their symptoms, talk to their doctor, and understand that effective treatment options, including cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia, can restore healthy sleep and improve quality of life.”

Symptoms and impact of chronic insomnia

Chronic insomnia is a sleep disorder marked by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up earlier than desired, despite having ample opportunity to rest. To be classified as chronic, these sleep disruptions must occur at least three times per week and persist for a minimum of three months.

The effects of chronic insomnia go far beyond nighttime restlessness. Individuals often experience daytime fatigue, difficulty concentrating, low energy or motivation, and mood disturbances such as irritability, anxiety, or depression. Over time, the condition can take a serious toll on physical, mental, and emotional health, impairing overall well-being and daily functioning.

Chronic insomnia is also associated with an increased risk of developing more serious health problems, including depression, anxiety, substance use disorders, motor vehicle accidents, Alzheimer’s disease, and Type 2 diabetes.

According to a 2024 survey conducted by the AASM, approximately 12% of respondents reported being diagnosed with chronic insomnia, highlighting the widespread nature of this often-overlooked condition.

Recommended treatment

The first-line recommended treatment for chronic insomnia is cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia. CBT-I combines behavioral strategies, such as setting a consistent sleep schedule and getting out of bed when you are struggling to sleep, with cognitive strategies, such as replacing fears about sleeplessness with more helpful expectations. CBT-I recommendations are customized to address each patient’s individual needs and symptoms, and they can include stress reduction, relaxation, sleep hygiene education, and sleep schedule management.

“CBT-I is the gold standard for treating chronic insomnia because it targets the root causes of sleep difficulties rather than just masking symptoms,” said S. Justin Thomas, who has a doctorate in clinical health psychology and is president of the SBSM. “Unlike medications, which offer only temporary relief, CBT-I equips individuals with practical tools and long-term strategies to retrain the mind and body for healthy sleep. For many, the benefits of CBT-I are truly life-changing, restoring energy, improving mood, and enhancing overall quality of life.”

If you’re having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, talk to your doctor. They may refer you to a CBT-I professional or an AASM-accredited sleep center for help.

Related:

• Insomnia Awareness Night
• Improve your sleep in five simple steps
• Shedding light on sleepless nights

The post Insomnia Awareness Night highlights chronic insomnia symptoms, treatment appeared first on Sleep Education.

Here are five easy tips to help you improve your sleep starting tonight.

1. Get up at the same time every day.

One of the most important things you can do to get your sleep on track is to have consistency in the time you get up in the morning. Consider the earliest time you have to wake up and ask yourself if it’s possible to get up at that time every day (or about that time if 100% consistency isn’t possible). If you wake at a consistent time every day, you’ll begin feeling sleepy at the same time every night.

2. Go to bed when you are sleepy.

Are you sleepy when you get into bed? Take note of what time it is when you actually fall asleep. Use this time as a starting point. Plan to go to bed around the time you naturally fall asleep now.

3. Avoid (or limit) naps.

It’s important to be “hungry” for sleep when you get into bed. Taking a nap is like having a snack on your way to a restaurant. Napping can throw off your sleep rhythm, and it’s important to feel sleepy at the same time in the evening. If you are a short or infrequent napper, avoid naps. If you take long naps, limit your time spent asleep and avoid dozing off close to bedtime.

4. Don’t struggle with sleep in bed.

If you’re lying in bed awake, stay there for a little while and see what happens. If you can’t fall asleep and begin to get frustrated (about 15 to 20 minutes for most people), get out of bed. While you’re up, do something to pass the time. Try not to stress about not sleeping and avoid checking the clock. Return to bed when you feel sleepy again.

5. Use the bed only for sleep (and sex).

It’s important for your brain to think of your bed as a place for sleep. This means that activities like checking your phone, watching TV, or reading should be done elsewhere. Similarly, don’t fall asleep in places that are not your bed. Your brain will start “predicting” sleep in those places instead.

By following these simple tips, you can make a big difference in your sleep quality and overall health. From sticking to a consistent wake-up time to skipping an afternoon catnap, each step helps condition your brain for better sleep. So, this week, give these strategies a try and create a sleep-friendly routine that supports your well-being.

Medical review by Jennifer Martin, PhD

Related:

• Shedding light on sleepless nights
• Tips for sleeping well this winter

The post Improve your sleep in five simple steps appeared first on Sleep Education.

Understand the significance of chronic insomnia, its impact on health and daily life, and the most effective treatment available.

The ripple effect on health

Chronic insomnia goes beyond the occasional sleepless night. It involves persistent difficulties in falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up earlier than desired, regardless of the time spent in bed.

People experiencing chronic insomnia may have a range of symptoms, including daytime fatigue, concentration issues, irritability, dissatisfaction with sleep, and low energy.

Research suggests that chronic insomnia increases the risk of mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. Additionally, impaired sleep has been linked to Alzheimer’s disease, while recent studies indicate a 28% higher likelihood of developing Type 2 diabetes among those with insomnia. The toll on work and school performance is also significant, with insomnia-associated accidents, errors, and decreased productivity costing the US over $100 billion annually.

Insomnia: An uninvited guest that stays too long

Chronic insomnia is not a fleeting condition; it persists for at least three nights a week over a span of three months. Its lasting impact on physical and mental well-being demands attention and treatment. Ignoring chronic insomnia can lead to long-term health issues and a compromised quality of life.

The gold standard of insomnia treatment

Thankfully, there is hope for those experiencing chronic insomnia. Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) stands as the gold standard in treatment. CBT-I combines behavioral strategies, such as establishing a consistent sleep schedule and leaving the bed when sleep proves elusive, with cognitive strategies that challenge negative thoughts about sleep. This holistic approach is tailored to each person’s specific needs and symptoms.

Shining a spotlight on insomnia

With June’s Insomnia Awareness Night, the AASM and SBSM aim to shed light on this sleep disorder.

The AASM social media accounts shared facts, stats, and videos throughout the night.

If you or someone you know is experiencing chronic insomnia, seek support from a health care professional. Remember, a good night’s sleep is not a luxury; it’s a necessity for a vibrant, fulfilling existence.

Since 2014, Insomnia Awareness Night has been held nationally to provide education and support for those living with chronic insomnia. Learn more about Insomnia Awareness Night or find an AASM-accredited member sleep center in your area.

Authored by: Kate Robards

The post Shedding light on sleepless nights appeared first on Sleep Education.

More than an occasional restless night, chronic insomnia involves difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, or regularly waking up earlier than desired, despite allowing enough time in bed for sleep. Chronic insomnia disorder involves difficulty sleeping and daytime symptoms occurring at least three times per week for at least three months. Its lasting effects are more severe than acute or short-term insomnia, which in most cases resolves itself.

“Chronic insomnia is a serious public health problem associated with numerous health and safety risks that can impact not just how a person sleeps at night, but also how a person feels or functions during the daytime,” said Jennifer Martin, a licensed clinical psychologist and president of the AASM. “By observing Insomnia Awareness Night annually and shedding light on the dangers of chronic insomnia disorder, our goal is to give individuals the information they need to find support for an ongoing sleep problem, enabling them to experience the joy of healthy sleep once again.”

Symptoms and impact of chronic insomnia

Symptoms associated with chronic insomnia include daytime fatigue or sleepiness; feeling dissatisfied with sleep; having trouble concentrating; feeling depressed, anxious or irritable; or having low motivation or low energy. It is more common in women than in men.

Chronic insomnia is associated with increased risk of a range of physical and mental health issues. Research suggests chronic insomnia can lead to increased risks of depression, anxiety, substance abuse and motor vehicle accidents. Research also shows that impaired sleep is a risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease, and a recent study found that people who have insomnia are 28% more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes than those without.

Chronic insomnia also has a negative impact on work and school performance, impairing concentration and increasing the risk of errors and accidents. Research has estimated that insomnia is associated with nearly 253 million days of lost work each year in the U.S. and more than $100 billion in annual costs due to indirect costs such as poorer workplace performance, increased health care utilization and increased accident risk.

“Developing healthy sleep hygiene habits can help someone who has a mild or short-term case of insomnia, but if symptoms persist into the daytime and inhibit your quality of life, it’s time to seek support from your doctor,” said Michael Grandner, a licensed clinical psychologist and president of SBSM. “Board-certified sleep experts can determine an accurate diagnosis for an ongoing sleep problem and guide individuals along a proper treatment plan for their unique health history and lifestyle.”

Use of sleep aids growing; cognitive behavioral therapy recommended

The 2022 AASM survey also found that a majority (64%) of Americans are using sleep aids or substances to help them fall asleep or stay asleep. Twenty-three percent report use of prescription medications, 27% use Melatonin and 20% use Marijuana or CBD. Even more troublesome, use of sleep aids has also proliferated recently, with 37% of those who use sleep aids reporting their use has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently reported that melatonin is the most frequently ingested substance among children reported to national poison control centers, and melatonin ingestions in children increased 530% between 2012 and 2020.

“Parents should talk to their pediatrician before giving their children melatonin or any supplement,” said Martin. “Often behavioral interventions can be successful in addressing sleeplessness in children.”

When used correctly melatonin can be used to treat some sleep disorders, however, a clinical practice guideline published by the AASM suggests that clinicians should not use melatonin for adults to treat chronic insomnia. Those who suspect they have chronic insomnia should work with their medical provider to find the best treatment option before implementing any self-directed treatments for insomnia.

For those with chronic insomnia, the recommended first-line of treatment is cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I). CBT-I combines behavioral strategies, such as setting a consistent sleep schedule and getting out of bed when you are struggling to sleep, with cognitive strategies, such as replacing fears about sleeplessness with more helpful expectations. CBT-I recommendations are customized to address each patient’s individual needs and symptoms. While six to eight sessions are typical, some patients improve more quickly.

“Cognitive behavioral therapy can help patients by providing customized strategies for individuals of all ages who are suffering from insomnia,” concluded Martin. “Studies show that CBT-I shows meaningful improvements for those with chronic insomnia, and it’s a cost-effective option.”

Patients should also be aware that prescription sleep aids are not a ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution to nightly sleep trouble and are not recommended as a first-line approach for most patients as they are only recommended for short-term use. When mediations are needed, patients should work with their medical provider to discuss the risks and benefits of different medication options.

Insomnia Awareness Night activities

Those who would like to connect with experts for information and advice about chronic insomnia can join the conversation on Tuesday, June 21:

• Instagram Live discussion with Andrea Matsumura, MD, and Sarah Silverman, PsyD, representing the AASM and SBSM, from 9-10 p.m. EDT
• Reddit Ask Me Anything with AASM President Jennifer Martin, PhD, from 10-11 p.m. EDT

Since 2014, Insomnia Awareness Night has been held nationally to provide education and support for those living with chronic insomnia. To learn more about Insomnia Awareness Night, visit https://sleepeducation.org/get-involved/campaigns/insomnia-awareness-night/. To learn more about the importance of healthy sleep or to find a local, AASM-accredited member sleep center in your area, visit SleepEducation.org.

# # #

About the American Academy of Sleep Medicine

Established in 1975, the AASM advances sleep care and enhances sleep health to improve lives. The AASM has a combined membership of 11,000 accredited member sleep centers and individual members, including physicians, scientists and other health care professionals (aasm.org).

About the Society of Behavioral Sleep Medicine

The Society of Behavioral Sleep Medicine (SBSM) is an interdisciplinary organization committed to advancing the scientific approach to studying the behavioral, psychological and physiological dimensions of sleep and sleep disorders and the application of this knowledge to the betterment of individuals and societies worldwide (https://www.behavioralsleep.org/).

About the Survey

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine commissioned an online survey of 2,010 adults in the U.S. The overall margin of error fell within +/- 2 percentage points with a confidence interval of 95 percent. Fieldwork took place between Feb. 17-24, 2022. Atomik Research is an independent market research agency.

The post 9th annual Insomnia Awareness Night to highlight symptoms, treatment for chronic insomnia appeared first on Sleep Education.

If you’re having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, you may feel fatigued and sleepy during the day. It may not occur to you to restrict your sleep as a way to improve your insomnia. It may seem counterintuitive but sleep restriction therapy is a proven technique that may help you sleep better.

What is sleep restriction therapy?

Sleep restriction is a type of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).

CBT is used to treat symptoms of insomnia. It helps you change the thoughts and behaviors that keep you from sleeping well. Also, CBT helps you learn new strategies to sleep better and develop habits that lead to healthy sleep.

There are different types of CBT. Sleep restriction is one of the most common methods to implement in patients with insomnia. Other methods focus on reducing your stress, helping you relax, or teaching you to better manage your sleep schedule and habits.

Scientists believe that spending excessive time in bed may perpetuate insomnia. The additional time spent awake in bed “strengthens the association between the bed/bedroom and wakefulness, anxiety, and frustration.”

When you limit the time spent in bed, you may have more efficient and regular sleep patterns. This is the idea behind sleep restriction.

The sleep restriction method sets strict limits on the time you spend in bed. Initially, the limit used is the same as the amount of sleep you tend to get each night.

For example, you may only get five hours of sleep even though you spend seven hours in bed. Two hours in bed are spent trying to fall asleep or go back to sleep after waking up. In this scenario, your initial limit would be set so that you only spend five hours in bed. This means you are likely to get less than five hours of sleep.

How will restricting my sleep help me sleep more?

Sleep restriction therapy may make you sleepier at first. This is due to mild sleep loss during the early stages of therapy.

You may wonder how more sleep loss will help you when you’re already struggling to get enough quality sleep. While the sleep loss will make you more tired at first, it will also help you fall asleep faster and wake up fewer times in the night.

This allows you to develop a more stable sleep pattern. As your sleep improves, the limit on your time in bed is slowly increased in 15-to-30-minute increments.

Eventually, the goal of sleep restriction therapy is to help you reach the point where you get the amount of sleep you need without sacrificing the quality of your sleep.

Because a sleep restriction program may initially contribute to sleep loss, caution should be taken to avoid drowsy driving.

Get help to treat your insomnia

Many studies have found evidence that CBT helps to improve insomnia. Sleep restriction therapy is commonly used within CBT to treat chronic insomnia, but more research is needed into using it as a standalone intervention.

Keep in mind that CBT is not a quick fix. It requires time, commitment, and patience. Talk to your medical provider to see if one of the methods of cognitive behavioral therapy may improve your sleep.

The Society of Behavioral Sleep Medicine has a directory of behavioral sleep medicine providers who offer CBT.

Medical review by Rafael Sepulveda, MD, DABOM

Authored by:

Kate Robards

The post What is sleep restriction therapy for insomnia? appeared first on Sleep Education.

What sleep disorders are veterans likely to experience?

Veterans are exposed to stressful situations during military service. The stress of training, deployment, and returning to civilian life can impact sleep. The most common sleep disorders experienced by veterans include:

• Insomnia is the most common sleep complaint. It occurs when you have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep even though you had the opportunity to get a full night of sleep. Insomnia can affect your mood and make other medical conditions more difficult to manage.
• Nightmares may lead to sleep loss and, as a result, daytime sleepiness. Stress, anxiety, an irregular sleep routine or being overtired can increase your risk for nightmares. Having the same nightmare repeatedly over time can also be common after severe stress or a traumatic event.
• Obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA, is a common and serious sleep disorder that causes you to stop breathing during sleep. OSA can have a negative impact on your health. It may increase your risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and depression.

How are veterans impacted by sleep disorders?

A July 2021 study in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine reported that undiagnosed and undertreated sleep disorders are common among veterans at risk for cardiovascular disease. In a sample of 420 veterans, more than half (52.1%) screened positive for sleep apnea.

In addition to a high prevalence of sleep apnea, many veterans experience insomnia as well.

A report published in the journal SLEEP found that in a study of more than 5,500 post-9/11 veterans, 57.2% had insomnia. This is much higher than the general population. Studies have found that about 30% of the general adult population experience insomnia.

The study also found that insomnia rates increased among veterans with certain conditions. More than 93% of veterans with PTSD also had insomnia. Also, 77.7% of veterans with a traumatic brain injury and 69.6% of veterans with chronic pain also had insomnia.

Older veterans may experience long-term sleep problems, too. One study found that many older veterans have reported sleep problems that began during or immediately following military service and have persisted for decades.

Sleep problems may be common among veterans, but they can be treated effectively.

If you are experiencing sleep problems, seek help from your primary care doctor at Veterans Affairs or use the AASM sleep center directory to find an accredited sleep center near you.

Medical review by Virginia Skiba, MD

Authored by:

Kate Robards

The post Veterans are at risk for sleep apnea, insomnia, and nightmares appeared first on Sleep Education.

“The Quest for Sleep” focuses on the challenges that insomnia can create for people. The film also explores the science behind the sleep disorder and features interviews with sleep medicine professionals, including AASM members Michael Grandner, PhD, MTR; Meeta Singh, MD; and Dayna Johnson, PhD, MPH, MSW, MS.

In the film, Dr. Meeta Singh says, “For human beings, you need about 7 to 9 hours of sleep to feel well-rested. If you’re getting less than 6 hours, you’re likely to feel impaired. For some people, despite being or staying in bed, you don’t get enough sleep and it’s affecting your life in a way that you’re not able to do what you should normally be able to do. That is insomnia.”

For the people featured in this new documentary, insomnia defines not just their nights, but their days as well.

As Dayna Johnson, a sleep epidemiologist and assistant professor at Emory University, puts it, “Insomnia is a 24-hour problem.”

Most of the people in the film mention their long histories with insomnia; some have struggled with the sleep disorder for many years. They describe daytime tiredness, of course, but also the anxiety they feel upon getting ready for bed, difficulty articulating their thoughts and feelings, and strain on their relationships and jobs.

Some can even point to their triggers, such as childhood trauma, becoming a parent, or unsettled emotions during times of social unrest.

This is a realistic account of the symptoms and causes of insomnia. Insomnia is most often associated with another problem that drives the insomnia, such as stress, medical conditions, mental disorders, environmental factors, or lifestyle habits.

“The Quest for Sleep” succeeds as an introduction to insomnia, a sleep disorder affecting as many as 35% of adults. The movie intertwines the experiences of real people struggling with insomnia alongside insights from sleep medicine professionals. The visual depictions of what happens in the brain when you don’t get enough sleep help you understand complex processes.

This character-driven documentary is produced by Osmosis Films (The Lottery, The Rise of Humans) and is being released by Abramorama (Dosed, The Beatles: Eight Days A Week – The Touring Years). The film is directed by Rachel Mills (Born to Be, Mavis!) and written by Josh Adler.

Octavia Spencer (The Help, Hidden Figures, The Shape of Water) brings the voice of sleep into the film as the narrator. “Why are there more of you struggling with me than ever before?” she asks the audience.

While the film portrays the negative consequences of insomnia, it doesn’t spend much time exploring the treatment options. Only briefly does the movie mention cognitive behavioral therapy, the recommended treatment for patients experiencing insomnia.

Cognitive behavioral therapy helps you change actions or thoughts that can keep you from sleeping well. It helps you develop habits that promote a healthy pattern of sleep.

It’s important to mention that the film received support from Idorsia, a pharmaceutical company that develops medications for adults with insomnia. While the film doesn’t promote the use of sleep medications, it does spend time explaining how they work in the brain. Learn more about using sleep medications.

Overall, “The Quest for Sleep” offers a real-life account of the challenges associated with chronic insomnia and articulates the science behind the sleep disorder in a compelling way. The film may help you rethink the relationship you have with sleep.

The Quest for Sleep premieres live on Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and TheQuestForSleep.com on March 16 at 8 PM ET, followed by a panel discussion with the filmmakers, cast, and experts. The film will also be released in select theaters in New York and California. Learn more.

Authored by:

Kate Robards

The post Review: The Quest for Sleep appeared first on Sleep Education.

Download an infographic about insomnia.

The post Insomnia Awareness Night: Infographic appeared first on Sleep Education.

More than an occasional restless night, chronic insomnia involves difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, or regularly waking up earlier than desired, despite allowing enough time in bed for sleep.

“Getting adequate sleep can be difficult, especially in times of increased anxiety or stress, like those we have all experienced recently,” said Jennifer Martin, PhD, a member of the AASM board of directors. “However, chronic insomnia disorder is more persistent, and when left untreated, can lead to a range of long-term health issues.”

Chronic insomnia disorder involves difficulty sleeping and daytime symptoms occurring at least three times per week for at least three months. Its lasting effects are more severe than acute or short-term insomnia, which in most cases resolves itself.

Symptoms of chronic insomnia

Symptoms associated with chronic insomnia include daytime fatigue or sleepiness; feeling dissatisfied with sleep; having trouble concentrating; feeling depressed, anxious or irritable; or having low motivation or low energy. It is more common in women than in men.

Impact of chronic insomnia

Chronic insomnia is associated with an increased risk of a range of physical and mental health problems. Research suggests chronic insomnia can lead to increased risks of depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and motor vehicle accidents. Research also shows that impaired sleep is a risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease, and a recent study found that people who have insomnia are 28% more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes than those without.

Chronic insomnia also has a negative impact on work and school performance, impairing concentration and increasing the risk of errors and accidents. Research has estimated that insomnia is associated with nearly 253 million days of lost work each year in the U.S. and more than $100 billion in annual costs due to indirect costs such as poorer workplace performance, increased health care utilization, and increased accident risk.

The effects of ongoing insomnia can impact nearly every aspect of your life. Developing healthy sleep habits can help someone who has a mild or short-term case of insomnia. However, if symptoms persist into the daytime and inhibit your quality of life, it’s time to get support from your doctor.

Treating chronic insomnia

The most effective treatment for chronic insomnia is cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), which combines behavioral strategies, such as setting a consistent sleep schedule and getting out of bed when you are struggling to sleep, with cognitive strategies, such as replacing fears about sleeplessness with more helpful expectations. CBT-I recommendations are customized to address each patient’s individual needs and symptoms. While six to eight sessions are typical, some patients improve more quickly.

“Cognitive behavioral therapy helps patients identify and change the actions and thoughts that are causing insomnia while also promoting healthy sleep habits,” said Donald Townsend, PhD, president of SBSM.

Insomnia Awareness Night activities

Those who would like to connect for information and advice about chronic insomnia should join the conversation on Tuesday, June 22:

• Twitter Chat using #InsomniaNight: 6 p.m. ET
• Reddit Ask Me Anything: 11 p.m. ET

The post Insomnia Awareness Night sheds light on sleeplessness appeared first on Sleep Education.