Insomnia

Psychological Treatments:

Cognitive Behavior Therapy NEW (strong research support)
Sleep Restriction Therapy (strong research support)
Stimulus Control Therapy (strong research support)
Relaxation Training (strong research support)
Paradoxical Intention (strong research support)
Electromyograph (EMG) Biofeedback (modest research support)

Key Links

Accredited Sleep Disorders Centers (http://www.sleepcenters.org/)
American Academy of Sleep Medicines (http://www.aasmnet.org/)
National Sleep Foundation (http://www.sleepfoundation.org/)
Sleep Net (http://www.sleepnet.com/)
Sleep Research Society (http://www.sleepresearchsociety.org/)

Training Opportunities

The Sleep Research Society Trainee Manual provides a variety of resources on training opportunities in basic clinical sleep research and sleep medicine. To access all trainee resources, click on ‘Show All Trainee Programs’ from the following link: http://www.sleepresearchsociety.org/TraineeManual/index.aspx

Acknowledgements

We want to thank Dr. Charles Morin for allowing us to pull from his excellent review article of psychological and behavioral treatment of insomnia:

Morin, C., Bootzin, R., Buysse, D., Edinger, J., Espie, C., & Lichstein, K. (2006). Psychological and behavioral treatment of insomnia: Update of the recent evidence (1998-2004). Sleep, 29, 1398-1414.

Note: Other psychological treatments may also be effective in treating insomnia, but they have not been evaluated with the same scientific rigor as the treatments above. Many medications may also be helpful for insomnia, but we do not cover medications in this website. Of course, we recommend a consultation with a mental health professional for an accurate diagnosis and discussion of various treatment options. When you meet with a professional, be sure to work together to establish clear treatment goals and to monitor progress toward those goals. Feel free to print this information and take it with you to discuss your treatment plan with your therapist.