Clinical outcomes support the benefits of CBT-i, including shortened time to fall asleep, fewer disruptions during the night, improved sleep quality, and a resultant boost in daytime functionality. 

So what is CBT-i and how can it be used in primary care for insomnia management? 

As general practitioners and primary healthcare teams are well aware, insomnia can significantly affect a patient’s quality of life, not just during the night time but across their entire daily routine. Effective management of this widespread condition goes beyond traditional treatment options, necessitating a comprehensive and evidence-based strategy. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-i) provides such an approach, earning recognition from sleep and medical authorities as a structured, non-pharmacological alternative for the long-term resolution of insomnia. 

CBT-i offers a holistic framework that begins with General Sleep Education to elucidate sleep principles, incorporates Bedtime Restriction Therapy to sync sleep patterns with natural rhythms, and employs Stimulus Control to break the link between the bed and wakefulness. Additionally, Relaxation Techniques are taught to mitigate daily stress, while the pivotal Cognitive Restructuring addresses erroneous beliefs and concerns that contribute to sleep issues. 

Adapting CBT-i to individual patient needs is crucial because it is not universally suitable; it’s especially useful for patients with additional conditions such as epilepsy or severe mental health concerns. This method concentrates on the comprehensive care of the patient, considering both insomnia symptoms and the broader psychological and lifestyle influences. 

In collaboration with the Australasian Sleep Association (ASA), we are inviting general practitioners and the wider primary healthcare community to our informative, free webinar, ‘Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-i)’ on Thursday, 8th February 2024, at 6:30pm ACDT. Presented by A/Prof Aliza Werner-Seidler, this event will encompass both the theory and practical application of CBT-i. 

This webinar is specifically tailored to healthcare professionals eager to diversify their clinical approaches with an effective, patient-focused treatment modality. It is an excellent opportunity to enhance your competencies regarding direct patient care and the navigation of complex referrals, ensuring your patients have access to the best possible support for their sleep health. 

To join us for this informative session, please secure your spot by registering below:

Register for “Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-i)” Webinar