Sleep Lab Adds Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia
Many patients with insomnia do not find relief from prescription of over the counter medications. Some even suffer "rebound" insomnia when medication is stopped. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy has been found to be very effective in helping insomnia patients both in the short and long-term. The Sleep Wellness Institute has added cognitive behavioral therapy to its arsenal of treatment techniques.
West Allis, Wis., (PRWEB) September 20, 2009
The Sleep Wellness Institute, Inc., Wisconsin's largest independent sleep disorders diagnosis and treatment center, has expanded its insomnia treatment services to include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and has hired licensed clinical psychologist Lisa Cottrell, Ph. D., to provide the new service.
"Insomnia is more than not sleeping well," explained Mark Stoiber, President of the Sleep Wellness Institute. "It's characterized by consistently having trouble falling asleep and staying asleep." A serious health issue if left untreated, chronic insomnia can disrupt daily life and damage health. Numerous studies have shown a link between consistently poor sleep and depression, anxiety disorders, diabetes and even heart disease.
Dr. Cottrell explained that "Without treatment, insomnia usually will not just go away. For some, medication may be helpful. But for most, this option leaves unwanted side effects and sometimes can cause 'rebound insomnia' when medication is stopped. That's because medication can't address the factors that contribute to insomnia. That's where Cognitive Behavioral Therapy can help."
CBT has been used for years to successfully treat everything from anxiety to chronic pain. Studies now show that 70% to 80% of people with chronic insomnia see improvement with CBT treatment. Studies also show that the sleep improvement lasts for years after treatment is finished. That's because CBT puts power in patients' hands and teaches them how to gain control over their sleep. With this treatment, good sleep becomes a way of life.
The Sleep Wellness Institute is accredited to diagnose and treat both adults and children with sleep disorders by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. It is also one of only a handful of sleep disorders centers certified by the Academy to train sleep technologists.
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