The Treatment of Insomnia

Insomnia is associated with long-term adverse health consequences, such as cardiovascular events and depression. This chapter presents recent diagnostic criteria, central psychological theories, and psychological and behavioral treatments for insomnia. It reviews the existing treatments in terms of both empirical support for their efficacy and the mechanisms hypothesized to mediate or moderate their effects. The present chapter summarizes psychological treatments for insomnia in terms of both their efficacy and their treatment mechanism. It investigates theoretical backgrounds and efficacy data for all common components of cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) as single interventions. CBT-I has been classified as a well-established treatment for chronic insomnia by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Following the current state of empirical evidence, behavioral therapy is the first-line treatment for primary and comorbid insomnia. Paradoxical intention and relaxation are additional well-supported treatments for insomnia.