Everyone has sleep problems from time to time.  Jet lag from travel; physical illness or pain; situational worries like work or family issues.  These types of difficulties tend to be temporary, lasting a few nights up to a few weeks.  As long as there are no extended complications or biological developments (e.g. sleep apnea), regular sleep resume in time for most people.  But… sometimes bad habits are developed to compensate for sleep loss, which can prolong or exacerbate dysfunctional sleep patterns.

For more nights than not, there is overall poor quality of sleep, difficulties falling asleep, broken sleep, and/or unwanted very early waking.  The daytime consequences include chronic fatigue, impairment of cognitive function (e.g. decision making, planning, memory), increased negative mood and irritability, and even physical distress (e.g. headaches, increased body pain).

CBT-I

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-i) is a proven method to treat primary insomnia without the use of medication.  It is a structured format based on behaviour principles and human physiology.  Over the course of 6 weeks, you learn ways to help your body produce better sleep.  You also learn how to manage anxious thinking about not sleeping.  There is, of course, no magic bullet: depending on various factors, it takes a few weeks for your brain and body to re-establish a healthy sleep pattern.

Don’t wait to get help for sleep issues.  Check in with your family doctor to rule out any biological issues and explore your options for intervention.  A sleep study is generally needed only if a disorder such as sleep apnea or Restless Leg Syndrome is suspected. 

Tel: (289) 818-7888
 Serving Richmond Hill, Thornhill, Markham, Maple, Newmarket, Vaughan