Proven Treatments for Insomnia
Let's take a look at an evidence-based treatment for insomnia, called Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or CBT.
What is CBT for Insomnia?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (or "C-B-T") for Insomnia is an evidence-based "talk therapy," or counseling treatment, shown to be effective for problems with falling or staying asleep. The treatment includes proven steps for sleeping longer and better.
Watch this video to learn more about CBT for Insomnia treatment. And, explore the tabs at the bottom of this page to learn about the specific parts of treatment!
Experts recommend CBT for Insomnia treatment at the highest level.
CBT for Insomnia is more effective than sleep medications in the long-term, without the side effects.
2 out of 3 Veterans who receive CBT for Insomnia sleep much better.
Most Veterans who receive CBT for Insomnia have large improvements in sleep and better quality of life.
In addition to sleeping better, many Veterans who receive CBT for Insomnia report improvements in their mood.
What happens in Treatment
CBT for Insomnia includes proven steps for sleeping longer and better.
Click on an item below to learn about the different steps of CBT for Insomnia!
Learn Healthy Sleep Behaviors
Treatment begins with education to improve your sleep behaviors and habits. This education can help to identify and change things that may be affecting your sleep.
Re-Train the Brain for Sleep
Many people with insomnia spend time doing "awake" activities, like watching TV and reading, in bed. This confuses the brain to think that the bed is not for sleep. In treatment, you'll learn how to re-train your brain for sleep.
Change Negative Thinking
Many people with insomnia lay awake worrying — including about not being able to fall asleep! These thoughts make the mind more active. In treatment, your therapist will help you learn skills to catch and change these thoughts.
Learn Relaxation Skills
Treatment also includes training in relaxation skills that are very effective in lowering tension and stress. This creates a calm mind and body for sleeping.
Next…
Let's look a bit closer at what CBT for Insomnia looks like.
- Learn about CBT for Insomnia You are here
- View the Treatment Process Up Close You are here
- Explore Your Goals You are here
- Find Treatment You are here
Questions or problems? Contact Rocky Mountain MIRECC.
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Contact Information
Colorado
Rocky Mountain Regional VAMC (RMR VAMC)
1700 N Wheeling St, BLDG A2
Aurora, CO 80045
720-723-6493
RockyMountainMIRECC@va.gov
Utah
VA Salt Lake City Health Care System
500 Foothill DR
Salt Lake City, UT 84148
801-582-1565 x2821
