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The Guardian
The Guardian
4h ago 6 views

‘Brutal and restrictive’: could cognitive behavioral therapy really help me sleep better?

After struggling with insomnia for 40 years, the author discovers cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), which offers a structured approach to better sleep. This matters as it highlights an effective treatment often overlooked by healthcare providers.
‘Brutal and restrictive’: could cognitive behavioral therapy really help me sleep better?
A What happened
The article recounts the author's long battle with insomnia and their recent introduction to cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), a treatment recognized as the gold standard for sleep disorders. After years of ineffective solutions, the author found a qualified therapist who guided them through a rigorous program involving sleep restriction, stimulus control, and relaxation techniques. Initially, the therapy proved challenging, as it required the author to abandon long-held bedtime rituals, such as reading. However, as they adhered to the structured approach, their sleep quality improved significantly. By the end of the therapy, the author averaged over eight hours of sleep per night, a stark contrast to their previous struggles. Despite the progress, the author acknowledges the difficulty of maintaining these habits in the face of life’s stresses, underscoring the ongoing challenge of managing insomnia.

Key insights

  • 1

    CBT-I as a treatment

    Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia is recognized as an effective treatment for sleep disorders.

  • 2

    Challenges of therapy

    The strict guidelines of CBT-I can be difficult to follow, especially for long-time insomniacs.

  • 3

    Importance of accountability

    Having an accountability partner can help maintain progress in sleep management.

Takeaways

The author's experience illustrates the potential of CBT-I to transform sleep habits and improve overall health, while also highlighting the ongoing challenges of maintaining these changes in daily life.