The Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia that we offer is based upon the program developed and researched originally at Stanford University Sleep Disorders Center. In this systematic program participants first learn some basics about sleep and to re-associate their bed with sleep. Next we reframe any sleep misconceptions or worries that actually interfere with sleep. An example is “If I don’t get to sleep right now I’ll never be able to get through my meeting tomorrow.” Realistically, the person who struggles with chronic insomnia has probably gotten through demanding days in the past after a disrupted night. While doing this cognitive work to reduce worries, we also teach relaxation techniques to relieve body tension that can contribute to insomnia. Another key component of our program is sleep restriction therapy. The client’s sleep diary is analyzed, and a agreeable bedtime and waketime set. As the client’s sleep improves, and they no longer have much (if any) time lying awake in bed, the bedtime is incrementally advanced each week. This process continues until the person reaches the goal – feeling well rested each day, and having consolidated sleep each night!

What makes our approach to Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment for Insomnia naturopathic is that we know the person’s health is an entire system, that their sleep can not be separated from the entirety. In addition to factors that conventional sleep specialists evaluate, we will also assess food allergies / intolerance, neurotransmitter levels, and overall wellness. Therefore we begin the program with an extensive intake interview. During this initial intake we review the clients’ health in all areas that have relevance on their sleep. This includes neurological, endocrine, psychological, and lifestyle, among others. We may also order lab tests to evaluate organ function. Our goal is to first identify the underlying cause of the sleep disorder, then to treat. Wherever the original cause lies, chronic insomnia has developed over time as an interplay of predisposing, precipitating and perpetuating factors, which will take time to tease apart and heal.