If getting to sleep is a problem, a method known as “cognitive refocusing treatment” may help empty the mind of worrisome thoughts that might be blocking slumber. Much like counting sheep, the technique involves performing personally engaging yet non-stimulating mental tasks (such as reciting lyrics) when falling asleep or waking up at night. This method tends to work better than counting sheep because it
involves the mind in personal thoughts that are easier to focus on than unfamiliar and arbitrary sheep. The technique is a type of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which involves changing behavior by altering the way a person thinks. Research shows that it is more effective in the long-term than sleeping pills.
Insomnia can be a debilitating problem, affecting every aspect of your life. If you are wrestling with this and would like to know more about cognitive refocusing behavior, please call our office. Our compassionate counselors understand how devastating insomnia is. We will work with you to both mitigate the effects with proven techniques and to get to the root cause of the problem. In addition to help with insomnia, we can provide relief for those dealing with anxiety, grief, or depression.
P.S. Insomniacs may want to explore with a therapist the problems and issues that are keeping them up at night.