Sleep disorders lower our quality of life and contribute to numerous physical and mental health problems. Sleep disorders and lack of sleep are an under treated threat to the public health. Sleep professionals have recognized the behavioral components of sleep disorders for decades, yet most patients never get a proper diagnosis and treatment.
What is Behavioral Sleep Medicine?
Behavioral sleep medicine (BSM) is a subspecialty within the field of sleep medicine which focuses on how thoughts, behaviors, and emotions cause or maintain problems with sleep.
The BSM program offers research supported, non-pharmacological treatments for sleep disorders including:
- Insomnia
- Nightmares
- Night Eating
- CPAP Adherence
- Sleep or Nighttime Related Fears/Anxiety
- Circadian Rhythm Disorders (Shift work disorder, delayed sleep phase syndrome)
- Pediatric Insomnias
What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a psychotherapeutic approach which addresses dysfunctional emotions, maladaptive behaviors and cognitive processes, and contents through a number of goal-oriented, explicit systematic procedures.
Treatment begins with an initial evaluation, and usually spans several appointments – on average between three and six visits. Initial evaluations are 45 – 60 minutes. Follow up visits are between 30 and 45 minutes.
Our focus is always on sleep-related positive outcomes – e.g. falling asleep faster, decreasing nighttime awakenings, reducing frequency of nightmares, increasing sleep time or reducing dependence on sleep medications.
If your lack of sleep is effecting your daily life, and you would like to avoid taking medication, contact Ryan G. Wetzler a Behavioral Sleep Specialist located in Louisville, Kentucky. Call us today..