What is insomnia therapy?
Insomnia therapy is a tailored form of treatment that addresses chronic sleep disturbances, which can include problems with falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing restorative sleep. The goal of Insomnia therapy is to enhance sleep quality, establish healthy sleep routines, and, in turn, improve an individual’s overall well-being by mitigating and reducing the adverse effects of persistent sleep deprivation.
How does insomnia therapy work?
Insomnia therapy combines therapeutic approaches, with a central focus on cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) to modify sleep-disrupting thoughts and behaviors, integrating techniques like stimulus control, sleep restriction, and relaxation training. Thriveworks Woodbridge therapists will also emphasize sleep hygiene education and may include mindfulness and relaxation exercises to improve sleep quality, equipping individuals with effective strategies to enhance their sleep and overall well-being.
Symptoms of insomnia
Common symptoms of insomnia include:
- Having a hard time falling asleep
- Waking up in the middle of the night
- Waking up earlier than desired
- Bedtime anxiety about sleeplessness
- Grogginess during the day due to lack of sleep
Should I go to therapy for insomnia?
Symptoms of insomnia often look different for everyone; however, there are some warning signs that can signal the need for insomnia therapy. These include feeling anxious about bedtime, bedtimes getting later and later, energy peaking at night rather than during the day, and drastic caffeine consumption in order to stay awake.
What is the best therapy for insomnia?
Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is one of the most effective forms of therapy for treating insomnia, working to modify sleep-disrupting thoughts and behaviors through strategies like sleep hygiene and sleep restriction.
Is insomnia therapy conducted in person or online?
Insomnia therapy at Thriveworks Woodbridge is conducted both in person and online by video. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.
How long should you go to therapy for insomnia?
The duration of insomnia therapy can vary based on the individual’s needs and progress in treatment. Typically, it involves a short series of sessions over a few weeks to a couple of months, with the number and length of sessions decided in consultation with the therapist. Some experience better sleep within this time, while others choose longer therapy to address complex sleep issues or maintain good sleep habits.
How long does CBT take to work for insomnia?
Many people start to see improvements in their sleep patterns after about two to three weeks of CBT-I. However, the duration and effectiveness will differ for everyone, so don’t worry if it takes a bit longer to have a strong effect.
Need more help deciding?
Woodbridge, VA Insomnia Therapists and Counselors
For some, falling asleep and staying asleep is easy, but for those who struggle with insomnia, their experiences are very different. Trouble falling asleep or difficulty getting enough sleep is a disruptive but common experience. Unfortunately, disruption in nighttime sleeping patterns often leads to disruption in daily routines. The Internet is full of at-home insomnia remedies that work for some people but not for most, or they work for a while but not long-term.
While home remedies may or may not help people sleep better, cognitive behavior therapists have a proven track record for helping their clients with insomnia. Therapists who utilize cognitive behavior therapy equip their clients with practical help for sleep, and they identify anything that may be causing or exacerbating the insomnia. If insomnia is keeping you up at night and making your days harder, therapy for insomnia in Woodbridge, VA could bring the relief you have been seeking.
Effects of Insomnia
A sleep disorder that affects many, insomnia can be acute or chronic. Some people experience insomnia for a few weeks at a time during stressful life events. Others live with on-going sleep deprivation. Regardless of its duration, sleepless or sleep deprived nights make navigating the day harder.
- Simple tasks may feel complex.
- Focusing may seem impossible.
- Irritability may be harming your relationships.
- Extra weight may be taking its toll on your body.
Insomnia can affect people’s mental and physical health as well. Sleep deprivation and disturbances are linked with increased risk of…
- Type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Depression
- Accidents
- Hypertension
- The common cold and flu
Maybe you have experienced these difficulties. If so, you are not alone. Many people struggle against insomnia.
Woodbridge, VA Insomnia Therapy: What Can I Expect?
Our therapists take a multi-faceted approach to their insomnia counseling. They are trained in cognitive behavior therapy and are equipped help their clients with both short-term relief and long-term solutions. Many of our clients have seen a better, more restorative night’s sleep.
Interested in waking up rested and ready for the day? Insomnia therapy at Woodbridge, VA may involve…
- Keeping a sleep log. Before applying random solutions, our counselors work with their clients to pinpoint their specific sleep problems. Insomnia takes many forms and can be caused by a variety of problems. Our counselors are not interested in treating generic insomnia, they are interested in treating your insomnia.
- Cultivating relaxation techniques. Being awake in the middle of the night can feel overwhelming and induce anxiety. Negative thoughts might bombard you and compound sleep problems. Our counselors are trained to help their clients regain control of their thoughts. Directing your mind toward positive, calming thoughts takes time, practice, and a professional’s help, but learning how to relax your mind and body can lead to healthier sleep habits.
- Restricting sleep. Sometimes sleep disturbances at night are caused by day-time napping or by being in bed while not asleep. Our counselors work with their clients to come up with a plan that restricts sleep to nighttime.
- Optimizing the sleep environment. Not all sleep disturbances are internal. Sometimes, people have difficulty sleeping because of the environment in their bedroom: light, noise, and temperature. Our counselors know what elements increase the likelihood of sleep and which inhibit sleep. They can guide their clients toward better sleeping environments.
- Addressing the insomnia’s foundational causes. Sometimes insomnia occurs on its own, but often insomnia accompanies another mental or physical health issue. If insomnia’s foundational cause isn’t addressed, even the best sleep techniques may fail. Our therapists help their clients learn coping mechanisms if their insomnia pops up during life’s big transitions. Or if their clients’ insomnia is a symptom of depression, our therapists ensure their clients receive the help they need. Whatever the foundational cause, our therapists work with their clients to ensure they receive the care they need.
Insomnia Therapy Appointments Available at Thriveworks Woodbridge, VA
Woodbridge, VA has appointments available for insomnia counseling, in the evenings and on weekends, and we accept most insurance plans. We know insomnia makes life hard, so we want to make reaching out for help as easy as possible.
Our counselors care about their clients and want to see their sleep restored. Insomnia can be lonely and overwhelming. Help is available. Call Thriveworks Woodbridge, VA.
Stress, Bipolar Disorder, Sleep / Insomnia, Eating Disorder, Anxiety, +2 more 
