What is a primary goal of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I)?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) is fundamentally designed to address and modify the cognitive and behavioral patterns that contribute to insomnia. The primary goal of CBT-I is to change negative thoughts and behaviors related to sleep, fostering a healthier relationship with sleep. This approach involves educating individuals about sleep, identifying unhelpful beliefs, and developing effective strategies to manage anxiety around sleep.

By focusing on altering these negative patterns, CBT-I helps patients develop better sleep practices, resulting in improvements in sleep quality and duration over time. It emphasizes self-management rather than reliance on medications, which can create dependencies or lead to short-term solutions. Thus, the focus on changing negative thoughts and behaviors is what sets CBT-I apart as a proactive method for achieving long-term sleep improvements.