Jun 22 2009
Causes and Treatments of Insomnia
Who hasn’t had difficulty sleeping at one point or another in their life? Yet it seems that some people are naturally predisposed to it. (Naturally is a problematic word. Perhaps I should have used innately or physiologically predisposed.) Research on insomnia in adolescents has recently found a link between difficulties sleeping, anxiety and depression. But not just any type of link, a genetic link.
Significant genetic effects shared between insomnia, depression and anxiety suggests that overlapping genetic mechanisms exist to link the disorders.
Okay, no startling breakthrough, but another piece to the puzzle.
In related research, cognitive-behavioral (psycho)therapy to treat insomnia was tested and found effective.
Results indicate that 50 percent to 60 percent of participants with chronic sleep onset insomnia, sleep maintenance insomnia or both experienced remission of their primary sleep difficulty.
If you are having chronic sleeping difficulties, it seems that a form of talk therapy could help. Not psychodynamic, not family, but cognitive-behavioral. Which makes sense, for cognitive-behavioral therapy is relatively pragmatic in its approach to mental health. Consider what it entailed for the study in question [source].
Specific strategies included education on sleep regulating systems, sleep scheduling recommendations, sleep hygiene education, sleep consolidation therapy, stimulus control therapy, relaxation training, cognitive therapy and mindfulness training.
Certainly, no miracle cure, but very few treatments are perfectly effective. And in terms of those subjects that found no benefit, roughly 40 percent or so, you have to hope that there is a treatment out there for them. If not now, some day.
Hope you all get a good night’s rest tonight.
