Overview
UT Sleep Center physicians can treat insomnia using a number of different methods, from non-pharmacological to pharmacological or a combination of both.
Non-pharmacological treatment of insomnia
Psychologists have developed and tested a specific therapy for insomnia called cognitive behavioral therapy, a specific psychotherapeutic approach with variants for treating different mental conditions such as depression, anxiety and eating disorders. In general, psychotherapies that are not insomnia focused are not very effective for treating chronic insomnia. When insomnia is experienced in the context of another disorder, such as depression, general psychotherapy might be effective in helping with depression but not be as helpful with the insomnia.
Treating insomnia with medications
There are a number of different medications currently on the market which are used to manage insomnia. Properly used, they can be very beneficial. However, possible side effects should be carefully considered.
