What Is the Treatment for Severe Insomnia?
Treatment for severe Insomnia typically involves a combination of behavioral therapies, lifestyle changes, and sometimes medication. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) is one of the most effective treatments. It focuses on changing negative thoughts and behaviors around sleep and teaches techniques like sleep restriction, relaxation strategies, and proper sleep hygiene. CBT-I is considered a first-line treatment and has been proven to help improve sleep quality in the long term, even after therapy ends.
In cases where behavioral therapy alone isn't sufficient, medications may be used for short-term relief. These can include sedative-hypnotics or melatonin receptor agonists, which help with falling asleep or staying asleep. However, medications are typically recommended only for a short duration due to potential side effects or dependency risks. Lifestyle changes, such as limiting caffeine, maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, and creating a calming bedtime routine, can also support improved sleep. Combining these approaches is often the most effective way to treat severe insomnia and help individuals achieve better sleep quality.
