Sleep experts agree that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) is the most effective therapy for Chronic Insomnia. Evidence shows that CBT-I offers better, longer lasting results than medications, without harmful side effects. CBT-I is usually provided by a trained specialist. More recently, internet based programs have been developed to offer CBT-I through an interactive online platform.

CBT-I promotes healthy sleep patterns and counteracts habits that interfere with sleep. The effects of CBT-I are scientifically proven to be longer lasting than medications. People develop tolerance to medications so they aren’t a good long-term solution for Insomnia. But CBT-I focuses on reversing the causes of Insomnia.

There are several forms of CBT-I including:
Stimulus Control
Sleep Restriction
Relaxation Training and Biofeedback
Cognitive Control and Psychotherapy
Sleep Hygiene Training

CBT-I may not offer immediate results. This can be discouraging to some. However, like other learned skills, practice is needed to make it work.

Moreover, treatments for Insomnia are not mutually exclusive. Some patients can benefit from receiving CBT-I while on medication. Research has demonstrated that CBT-I can also help patients who have become dependent on Insomnia medications to taper off of those medications (of course, lowering the dose of any medication should always be done in consultation with a physician).

There are several specialists in the Tri-state area who specialize in CBT-I. Here is a list of several practitioners of cognitive behavioral therapy for Insomnia that are certified by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine:

Some of these individuals might be listed as practicing CBT-I in other states but practice cognitive behavioral therapy in New York. For example, I know Dr. Saul Rothenberg practices in NY (as well as CT as listed above) as I worked with him at the Sleep Medicine Center at North Shore Long Island Jewish Health System in Manhasset, NY and New Hyde Park, NY.