What are the main symptoms or signs of Chronic insomnia: CBT-I before medication?

Common signs vary from person to person. The article above lists the symptoms to watch for, how they progress, and when they need medical attention.

When should you see a doctor for Chronic insomnia: CBT-I before medication?

See a doctor if symptoms last more than a few weeks, get worse quickly, stop you doing everyday things, or if you notice sudden pain, breathing trouble, fainting or bleeding.

Sleep

Chronic insomnia: CBT-I before medication

Behavioral therapy, the gold standard treatment

Dr. Élise Tanguy

Sleep physician

6 min read

Medical illustration of Chronic insomnia: CBT-I before medication

In simple terms

Sleep restriction, stimulus control, melatonin: overcoming insomnia without dependence.

Defining insomnia

Difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep, or early awakening, at least 3 nights/week for at least 3 months, with daytime impairment (fatigue, irritability, cognitive difficulties). Affects 10-15% of adults.

CBT-I: the gold standard

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia is more effective long-term than sleeping pills. It combines: sleep restriction, stimulus control (bed = sleep only), relaxation techniques, cognitive restructuring, sleep hygiene. Available in-person or via validated apps.

Medications

Benzodiazepines and related drugs (zolpidem, zopiclone): short-term only (risk of dependence, cognitive impairment)
Melatonin: useful for rhythm disorders
Daridorexant, lemborexant: orexin antagonists, new class
Mirtazapine, trazodone at low dose: if associated depression

Sleep hygiene

Regular schedule, morning light exposure, avoid screens in the evening, limit caffeine and alcohol, cool and dark room, no late naps.

The words explained

Medical terms used above, in everyday language.

Cognitive: Related to thinking: memory, attention, learning and decision-making.

When should you see a doctor?

Your symptoms last more than a few weeks or keep coming back.
They get worse quickly, or stop you doing everyday things.
You notice sudden pain, breathing trouble, fainting or bleeding — seek urgent care.
You already take medication and want to change anything about it.

This article explains general health information. It does not replace advice from your own doctor.

Frequently asked questions

What is Chronic insomnia: CBT-I before medication?: Sleep restriction, stimulus control, melatonin: overcoming insomnia without dependence.
What are the main symptoms or signs of Chronic insomnia: CBT-I before medication?: Common signs vary from person to person. The article above lists the symptoms to watch for, how they progress, and when they need medical attention.
When should you see a doctor for Chronic insomnia: CBT-I before medication?: See a doctor if symptoms last more than a few weeks, get worse quickly, stop you doing everyday things, or if you notice sudden pain, breathing trouble, fainting or bleeding.

#insomnia #sleep #CBT-I