Dr. Shelby Harris - Your Sleep And Insomnia Questions Answered

CBT Approach

Shelby Harris emphasizes the importance of treating insomnia as a separate issue rather than a secondary symptom of other conditions. She explains that CBT for insomnia is now recommended as the gold standard treatment by major physician boards. This therapy focuses on changing behaviors that maintain insomnia, such as adjusting bedtime and wake time, and avoiding naps 1.

What people with insomnia typically do is they start to spend more time in bed. They go to bed earlier, or they sleep in in the morning, or they try to nap in hopes that you'll catch the sleep when you can. That actually worsens it in a long run.

--- Shelby Harris

   

Sleep Medicines

Shelby Harris discusses the role of medications in managing insomnia, highlighting that they are one of the two most popular treatments. While medications are commonly prescribed, she stresses the importance of addressing insomnia directly rather than as a symptom of other issues 2. This approach ensures that the residual symptoms of insomnia are effectively managed.

The two most popular treatments that we have are they fall in two camps. One is medication treatments, and those are very popular medications that we hear about all the time that primary care doctors typically prescribe.

--- Shelby Harris

   

Mindfulness

Mindfulness and relaxation techniques play a crucial role in treating insomnia, according to Shelby Harris. She explains that mindfulness helps individuals focus on the present moment, reducing anxiety about sleep and improving relaxation 3. Techniques like diaphragmatic breathing can also aid in calming the mind and preparing the body for sleep.

Mindfulness, whatever mindful exercise it is that you find works for you, helps your brain to be able to focus on whatever relaxation exercise you're doing to just focus on your deep breathing.

--- Shelby Harris