Hello, insomniacs!
Are you reading this blog post in the wee hours of the night? If so, you are not alone. Many of you may have been counting sheep for a number of years. Others, new to insomnia, have been losing sleep since things around the world have started looking a bit, you know, “apocalyptic”. We understand significant life changes and stressors can lead to the onset of insomnia. Since we can no longer call this fall the “return to normal” season some insomniacs might have been waiting for, we decided to call it our “back to sleep” season.
Those who continuously come short on sleep know the impact of sleep deprivation and the desperation that follows when the problem is not short-term. Whatever initially keeps you up at night is often not what keeps you up in the long run, or at least, not entirely. Whether it all started during a fire evacuation, another canceled trip, or never-ending hot flashes, it is most often the thought that we “can’t” fall asleep that ensures a full night’s rest remains an unachievable “dream”, sad pun intended.
You may have heard about CBT-I before you chose to open this blog. If so, that is because CBT-I, standing for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia, is a definite “buzz” acronym today. This is because it is a research-based, recognized, non-pharmaceutic treatment for insomnia that is described by the most reputable research-based institutions, as the “gold standard” or the “first line” treatment for insomnia. The excitement behind CBT-I is quite understandable, considering how many people complain of chronic sleep deprivation today.
Since CBT-I is based on changing thoughts about sleep and about insomnia, it is important we change our thoughts about treatment too. Sleep deprivation can entice us towards any substance capable of “knocking us out” for a while, but these “solutions” can become problematic. On the contrary, CBT-I is designed to teach us how to understand the natural sleep cycle and how to more easily fall or stay asleep on our own. Synergy Counselling offers CBT-I, in a research-based format, delivered by Registered Clinical Counsellors who can discuss the program with you, help you to address individual needs and barriers, and to consider other factors impacting your sleep (e.g. anxiety). We have been offering CBT-I through a simple and structured 5-session program.
For our 2021 “back to sleep” fall plan, we will be offering insomnia sufferers the opportunity to join a Zoom group as a more economical and practical alternative to individual sessions. This format is also a great option for those who prefer to access group services and rates from the privacy and comfort of your home. If individual sessions are the right fit for you, or your schedule does not allow for group participation, CBT-I is also available through one-one meetings.
We know how important sleep is and how much you have gone through over the last several months. We are excited to invite you to learn more about CBT-I and hope that you find it as interesting and promising as we do. Please help us to spread the word to all of those counting sheep. Whether you just want to read a bit about it or to make the decision to join us this fall, CBT-I is here to help, and Synergy Counselling is here for you too!
Please note that an individual intake session with a therapist is also required to assess your needs, prepare you for the program, and to ensure that CBT-I is right for you.