CBT-I – Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Insomnia and Better Sleep Clinic

Having Difficulty Sleeping?

If you are having difficulty sleeping, you may be experiencing insomnia! This is a common sleep disorder that can make it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep. There are two types of insomnia. Short-term insomnia is a form of insomnia that lasts up to three months vs. Chronic insomnia is a type of insomnia that lasts for at least three months and occurs at least three times per week.

Insomnia is often caused by factors such as stress, medical conditions, medications, substance use, and mental health issues. Also, factors such as noise, light and environmental temperature can affect sleep as well as the individual’s lifestyle and work habits.

Cognitive behavioural therapy, sometimes called CBT, can effectively treat long-term sleep problems like insomnia. It is generally the first recommended treatment before taking any sleeping medications.

How does CBT work?

There are two components of CBT to support better sleep. The cognitive part of CBT helps you to look at the factors, such as negative thoughts, worries and concerns that keep you awake at night. The behaviour part of CBT supports you to look at the habits that could be causing you to have problems with your sleep. Click on  “Suggestions for Better Sleep” https://starfht.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Difficulty-Sleeping-Finding-Sleep-Supports.pdf  is to help to start to improve your sleep behaviours.

Need Support to Help You Sleep Better?

1) Attend our monthly “Better Sleep Clinic”

• Meet with a mental health counsellor from our team, experienced in providing CBT for people who struggle with insomnia
• In-person, drop-in- no registration required
• Located at the Tavistock Community Health Clinic, 80 Maria St., Tavistock, ON
• Drop-in clinic dates: Mondays, 1:30 -3:00pm

December 15, 2025. January 19, February 9, March 16, April 20, May 11, June 15, July 20, August 17, September 21, October 19, November 16, December 21, 2026

2) Sign up for a Dream On-CBT-I for Insomnia education session offered by the

Thames Valley Family Health Team

https://thamesvalleyfht.ca/programregistration/dream-on-cbt-for-insomnia/

Maitland Valley Family Health Team  Sleep Sound, Sleep Smart, Feel Better

https://www.mvfht.ca/program.php?id=24

3) Read the Book:

Goodnight Mind (Dr. C. Carney and Dr. R. Manber).

(We have a few copies of this book, available for loan, contact reception at your clinic)

Other Supports: