Roxanne Dzierzewski, PsyD
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Telehealth Psychology Services
What is Insomnia?
People with insomnia may have a hard time falling asleep, staying asleep, or may wake up too early. People with insomnia also experience the effects of poor sleep during the daytime such as:
- Feeling tired
- Having low energy
- Having trouble with attention and concentration
- Having trouble with memory
- Becoming easily irritated
- Having difficulty at work or school
For more information on symptoms and causes of insomnia, please visit the National Sleep Foundation.
Sleep and Mental Health
Sleep is not only crucial to restoring our physical wellness but sleep is also very important to restoring our emotional strength. Feeling unrested and having low energy make it more challenging to cope with life stress.
Additionally, insomnia has immense effects on our mental health. Not only is insomnia one of the hallmark symptoms of depression but experiencing the negative consequences of poor sleep can also be very distressing to cope with and can bring on mood changes. Poor sleep and insomnia can also come with anxiety or worsen already-existing anxiety and tension.
How do I treat my insomnia?
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia or CBTi is a well-studied and effective therapy for insomnia.
- Recognized as the front-line, gold standard treatment for insomnia recommended by many national organizations including the American College of Physicians and National Institutes of Health.
- Effective in improving the quality of sleep and in helping people sleep longer.
- Research has also shown that CBTi results in better and more sustainable outcomes for people with insomnia.
Relaxation training (controlled breathing, meditation, mindfulness) and sleep guidelines are also useful for people who do not have insomnia but could benefit from better sleep.
At Psychology and Wellness of Richmond, Dr. Roxanne is available to provide CBTi as well as other therapies for improved sleep.