Insomnia Therapy

Sleep is the best time to repair, but it’s hard to get a good night’s sleep when we don’t dial the inner chatter down.

Dr. Deepak Chopra

Find Your Restful Night: Understanding and Managing Insomnia

Sleep is a crucial component of our lives, essential for both physical and mental health. Yet, many of us struggle with getting a good night’s sleep due to the common sleep disorder known as insomnia. At Mile High Psychology, we are dedicated to helping individuals better understand insomnia and discover effective strategies to manage it.

The Vital Role of Sleep

Sleep is indispensable for our well-being, replenishing our energy, supporting normal bodily functions, and playing a pivotal role in our immune system. It allows our body to repair, process memories, regulate hormones, and fight infections.

A Closer Look at Insomnia

Insomnia is a sleep disorder characterized by persistent difficulty in falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up feeling unrefreshed. Causes can vary widely, from stress and lifestyle changes to specific medical conditions.

Those affected often try to compensate for the lack of sleep by altering their sleep habits, such as taking naps or catching up on sleep during weekends. While these strategies may provide short-term relief, they can disrupt the natural sleep cycle and worsen insomnia over time.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Insomnia

The following are common symptoms of insomnia:

•  Difficulty falling asleep
• Waking up frequently during the night
• Waking up earlier than desired
• Feeling tired and unrefreshed after sleep
• Difficulty concentrating and feeling irritable
• Low energy throughout the day

The Beneficial Impact of Sleep

Proper sleep has far-reaching benefits for both physical and mental health, including:

Body repair and healing: During sleep, the body repairs, restores, and heals damaged cells and tissues. This process can reduce inflammation and help combat illnesses and diseases.

Well-rested feeling: Sufficient sleep ensures that you wake up feeling refreshed and ready for the day ahead.

Improved memory retention: Sleep helps the brain consolidate and store new memories and experiences, improving learning and studying capabilities.

Enhanced performance: Adequate sleep can boost focus and concentration, leading to better performance in school, work, and daily tasks.

Achieving Healthy Sleep Patterns

The amount of sleep needed can vary depending on your age, lifestyle, and overall health. Generally, adults should aim for 7-9 hours per night. However, a consistent sleep schedule, limiting caffeine and alcohol, avoiding screen time before bed, regular exercise, and relaxation techniques can all contribute to improved sleep quality.

Treating Insomnia with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

At Mile High Psychology, we utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and its insomnia-focused approach, CBT-I, as a principal approach to insomnia treatment.

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): A evidenced-based psychotherapy that focuses on identifying and altering unhelpful or unhealthy thinking patterns and behaviors.
• CBT for Insomnia (CBT-I): A specialized approach to help individuals recognize and modify beliefs and behaviors exacerbating their sleep problems. This could involve developing healthy sleep habits or addressing underlying stressors contributing to insomnia.

Through these therapeutic processes, individuals can learn to manage their sleep patterns in a healthier and more. effective way.

Insomnia Therapy at Mile High Psychology

Insomnia can be a complex and challenging issue to tackle alone. It’s important to recognize the psychological aspects of insomnia, such as stress and negative thinking patterns, to better manage symptoms and improve sleep quality. 

Learn More about Treatment for Insomnia

If you or someone you know is struggling with sleep, consider scheduling a consultation with us. Let’s discuss whether CBT and CBT-I might be an suitable option for you.