Behavioral Sleep Medicine Services

The goal of behavioral treatments for sleep disorders is to identify the factors that may be maintaining the sleep problems. These maintaining factors are often a combination of thinking patterns (worries about not sleeping, etc.) and habits or behaviors (napping to catch up on sleep when you can, etc.). Your sleep psychologist will help you build new sleep habits and more adaptive thoughts about sleep, as well as teaching you important relaxation and stress management skills.

At your first visit, the sleep psychologist will ask you lots of questions about your sleep habits. The psychologist will also discuss what treatment you’ve tried in the past, including what worked and what didn’t. During this visit, you’ll be given some information on sleep and the psychologist will share recommendations or changes for you to start making to improve your sleep.

Most people start to see some improvements in their sleep after a few visits. The typical length of treatment is 6-8 visits with each visit 1-2 weeks apart.

Behavioral treatments for sleep problems require you to be a very active participant in your care. This means that between each visit, you will be given some things to work on. You’ll keep track of your progress using sleep logs that the sleep psychologist will review with you at each visit. These logs are incredibly important for tailoring the treatment to your sleep needs. The sleep logs also are a great way to see your progress.

The good news is behavioral treatments for sleep problems are often successful. Studies show that around 75-80% of people will improve their sleep by following a behavioral program. This treatment can be life-changing. Feeling more rested can make a positive impact on your quality of life and how you feel.

Behavioral sleep treatments are usually short term, from 6 to 8 sessions in many cases. We will teach you skills and strategies that you can use throughout your life - think of the strategies you learn in treatment like tools in your toolbox that you can use whenever needed.

To schedule, please call Baptist Behavioral Health at 904-376-3800 and request an appointment for behavioral sleep medicine services.