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 last 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 or 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” (hyperlink this please) 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”
August 18, September 15, October 20, November 17, December 15
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:
Resource Links: | Click here for a list of Myths and Facts about sleep
Click here for resources for a better sleep Sleepwell mysleepwell.ca https://mysleepwell.ca/cbti/ Resources for past/present participants. Password provided. |
Registration is not required. Drop-in only for the “Better Sleep Clinic”