What is Insomnia?
Insomnia is a common sleep disorder that affects people of all ages. Someone with insomnia may have difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up earlier than their body needs. Thus, they typically experience fatigue, irritability and poor concentration during the day. Difficulties with sleep and insomnia can lead to additional difficulties with mood and physical health.
Insomnia can be acute (short-term) or chronic (lasting more than three months). Sleep difficulties can be caused by anxiety, poor sleep habits, medical issues, pain, or other stressors.
Treatment for Sleep Problems and Insomnia
Treatment for Insomnia and difficulties with sleep often includes behavioral and lifestyle changes. Additionally, it is important to rule out medical causes.
At Collaborative Change Counseling and Wellness, we use DBT-Sleep. DBT-Sleep is an evidence-based treatment protocol for insomnia that integrates behavioral sleep medicine with Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Together we would systematically assess and treat chronic insomnia and sleep disruption using CBT and ACT interventions for insomnia combined with DBT Skills. Moreover, improving sleep can have benefits for mood and anxiety symtpoms.
Parents of Children and Adolescents with Sleep Disruption and Insomnia
Having a child who is struggling with insomnia and sleep issues can be exhausting. You may find yourself chronically worried about them and whether they are getting the sleep they need to thrive. Additionally, as a parent you may not be getting adequate sleep yourself, either because your child wakes you up or you are so worried they won’t be able to sleep that you can not sleep yourself.
Your child may begin to fear bedtime, and you may wonder if they will ever be able to have restful sleep again. Overall, you might be at a loss as to how to help them, and yet they are turning to you for answers and comfort.
It can be important that parents seek out their own support for how to help their child with insomnia. You can learn what might be contributing to sleep disruption and what may be protective. Individual therapy, parent guidance, or group support might mean that you get the help you need to help your child. Reach out to us today to see how we can help.
Contact Us Today to Talk
We would love to find out what we can help you with. Call 203-745-0733 or email for consultation.
