Therapy for Sleep Disturbances & Insomnia – Everything You Need to Know 

You may wonder if sleep disturbances and insomnia cause mental health struggles or if mental health struggles cause disordered sleep, but it seems that both things can be true. Regardless of which comes first, sleep disturbances and emotional and cognitive struggles often go hand in hand. For that reason, it’s beneficial to consider therapy as a resource in treating sleep disturbances and insomnia. In this blog, we’ll discuss how sleep and mental health are connected, risk factors for developing sleep disorders, and how therapy can help. 

How Do Sleep Disturbances & Insomnia Impact Mental Health? 

Sleep is essential. It’s when our mind and body have the chance to reset and renew after a day of stress and activity. When we lack sleep, it impacts all aspects of our day-to-day life, including our ability to manage emotions. It becomes more difficult to overcome feelings of anxiety, anger, sadness, and depression. Not having healthy coping strategies, many people turn to unhealthy solutions like excessive alcohol consumption, which can actually worsen sleep disturbances and insomnia. In other situations, stress, fear, negative thinking, and other emotional and cognitive difficulties impact the ability to get a full night’s sleep. It’s important to receive adequate and appropriate medical and/or psychological support if you’re struggling with disordered sleeping patterns. 

What Are the Risk Factors for Sleep Disturbances & Insomnia? 

Anyone can experience sleep disturbances or insomnia, but there are some risk factors to be aware of, including: 

• Gender – women are significantly more likely to struggle with insomnia and men are more likely to develop sleep apnea. 
• Age – people over the age of 60 are more likely to struggle with sleep disorders.
• Genetics – having one or more close relative who suffers from a sleep disorder. 
• Stress – prolonged periods of stress or severe stresses often impacts the ability to sleep and feel rested. 
• Changes in sleep schedule – travel, working odd hours, and other factors that mean sleeping and waking at irregular times can cause sleep disorders or exacerbate existing conditions. 

Does Therapy Improve Sleep? 

Many people take prescription sleeping pills or over-the-counter products like melatonin to improve the quality of sleep, but these medications often shouldn’t be taken for long-term relief. Instead, it may be better to work with a therapist. During counseling sessions, your therapist can help you to make changes to your lifestyle and habits that will improve sleep, including not consuming alcohol, going to sleep and waking up at the same times each day, and limiting screentime before bed. They can also teach your techniques to promote relaxation, help you fall asleep more quickly, and allow you to get back to sleep when you wake up in the night. Therapy is also essential when anxiety, depression, trauma, or other issues are contributing to sleep disorders. 

How Do I Get Started? 

If you’re interested in learning more about how therapy can be an effective solution for sleep disturbance and insomnia, the Lansing Counseling team would love to hear from you. Our knowledgeable team members will help you understand the way your cognitive and emotional health are impacting your ability to sleep through the night and wake feeling rested and refreshed. Getting started is quick and easy. Take a few moments to complete our online contact form, call us (517) 333-1499, or email [email protected].