Faye Dickieson struggled with insomnia for over three decades, resorting to sleeping pills which left her feeling foggy and unrested. A study revealed that one in six Canadians experience insomnia, leading to an increased reliance on medications and substances for sleep. However, the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction cautioned against the addictive nature and harmful effects of sedatives used for insomnia.
Dickieson found relief through cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) after attending a sleep seminar led by David Gardner, a professor at Dalhousie University. CBT-I, a non-pharmaceutical approach, helps patients address underlying thoughts and behaviors contributing to insomnia, offering techniques like relaxation exercises and sleep hygiene practices.
Research showed that CBT-I yielded positive results for many individuals with insomnia, although biological predispositions might affect treatment responsiveness. Despite its effectiveness, CBT-I faces accessibility challenges due to cost and limited availability of qualified providers. Efforts are underway to increase awareness and accessibility of CBT-I, including advocating for public reimbursement and developing online resources for self-help treatment options.
Recognizing the importance of quality sleep for overall well-being, experts emphasize the significance of addressing sleep issues promptly and considering drug-free treatment options. Initiatives like MySleepwell.ca aim to make resources for CBT-I more widely available, highlighting the importance of prioritizing sleep health for better overall health outcomes.
