Insomnia is the most prevalent sleep problem and is actually one of the most common of all health complaints. It costs our society a great deal in lost work time and has family and social consequences.
Often insomnia is ignored or dismissed. Usually self- treated, results are often poor. With time insomnia becomes even more difficult to treat. Effective treatment is available. While medications can be part of treatment, in the long run they can become part of the problem, and can actually make things worse.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) is effective treatment and is considered to be the single most effective treatment for chronic insomnia. An appointment for an assessment by the UT Sleep Center staff will be made and treatment will follow. If you have any questions, please call our office at: 865-305-8761.
The Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Program consists of 8 weekly sessions of 30-60 minutes. You will meet with a Sleep Therapist (coach) at the UT Sleep Disorders Center. The program will provide you with the skills to improve your sleep and to maintain this improvement with time. You will be given instructions including tasks to be completed before each session.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I am currently using sleeping pills?
You will discuss with the staff, but sometimes no changes are made until you start to show progress.
What if I do not get better with CBT-I?
This is negative thinking. Most people improve and often become much better.
I was treated before for insomnia, but it did not work. Will this work?
Been there, tried it, and didn’t work in no way predicts that you will not do well.
Doesn’t this mean that my problem is just “in my head”?
Behavioral approaches are real. It is all Mind-Body, not either/or.
How long will the benefit last?
Research shows that the benefit is long-lasting.
Does insurance pay for treatment?
Most insurance will cover treatment. This can be discussed with staff.
How long does it take to see improvement?
At the end of 8 weeks your insomnia will be improved and you will have the knowledge to continue working on your success.
How effective is this treatment?
CBT-I is the single most effective insomnia treatment.
What if I have questions or problems after starting the treatment?
There will be contact information for you so that you can always talk to someone.
If my problem resolves before 8 weeks, can I quit?
It is recommended that all 8 sessions are needed for long-term benefit.
What if I have sleep apnea?
If you have sleep apnea, CBT can be of major help.