Dr. Sylvia Gindy, PsyD
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Tal Gershon, LMHC
Mental Health Counselor
Valerie Graf, LMSW
Licensed Master Social Worker
Flor Villagrán, LMHC
Mental Health Counselor
Adeyemi Aladenika, LMHC
Mental Health Counselor
Insomnia is a sleep disorder that affects millions of people around the world. It can have a major impact on your life, affecting your ability to concentrate, work productively, and maintain relationships. If you’re struggling with insomnia, it’s important to seek help from a qualified professional.
Looking Glass NYC’s therapists specialize in treating people suffering from sleep disorders. We offer cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT) to help you improve your insomnia and find a better way to live. CBT is an evidence-based approach to treating insomnia that helps patients identify and modify behaviors and thoughts that interfere with their sleep. Through CBT, our therapists works with you to develop healthy habits and routines that promote better sleep and, in turn, healthier lifestyles.
Insomnia can be caused by many factors including stress, poor lifestyle habits such as caffeine consumption or late night screen time, medical issues such as chronic pain or depression, or environmental factors such as noise or light pollution. The effects of insomnia can range from mild fatigue during the day to more serious consequences like increased risk of accidents or depression.
If you’re suffering from insomnia, don’t wait any longer; get help today! With Looking Glass NYC’s therapist’s expertise in CBT and other treatments for sleep disorders, you can begin to take control of your sleep patterns and improve your quality of life. Let’s get started!
To help identify if you need professional help for insomnia, here are five signs that indicate you should seek out therapy or other forms of treatment:
- Difficulty falling asleep: If you find yourself lying awake for long periods of time before being able to fall asleep, this could be a sign of insomnia.
- Difficulty staying asleep: If you frequently wake up in the middle of the night and struggle to get back to sleep, this could also be a sign of insomnia.
- Dreams that disturb your sleep: Nightmares or other vivid dreams can disrupt your sleep cycle and lead to insomnia.
- Unexplained fatigue: Feeling tired during the day despite getting enough hours of sleep at night is another sign that something may be wrong with your sleeping pattern.
- Sleeping at odd times of the day: If you find yourself taking naps throughout the day or having difficulty staying awake during normal waking hours, this could indicate an underlying issue with your sleeping habits.
If any of these signs sound familiar, it may be time to consider seeking professional help for your insomnia issues or disorders. A therapist or doctor can help diagnose and treat any underlying causes of your insomnia so that you can get back on track with healthy sleeping habits and patterns.
Insomnia is a sleep disorder that affects millions of people all around the world. It is characterized by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep or both, which leads to poor quality sleep and daytime fatigue. There are different types of insomnia, each with its own causes and symptoms.
- Transient Insomnia : Transient insomnia is a short-term sleep disorder that can last up to a week. It typically occurs due to stress, jet lag, changes in sleep environment, or the use of certain medications. Symptoms include difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or early morning awakening. The good news is that transient insomnia often resolves on its own without any treatment.
- Acute Insomnia : Acute insomnia is a more severe type of short-term sleep disorder that lasts for several weeks. It is usually caused by a stressful life event like a job loss, divorce, or the death of a loved one. Symptoms include difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, and waking up too early. Acute insomnia can be treated with cognitive-behavioral therapy, medication, or relaxation techniques.
- Chronic Insomnia : Chronic insomnia is the most severe type of sleep disorder that lasts for three months or longer. It is usually caused by an underlying medical condition such as depression, anxiety, or chronic pain. Symptoms include difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, and waking up too early. Chronic insomnia requires long-term treatment with medication, cognitive-behavioral therapy, or a combination of both.
- Comorbid Insomnia : Comorbid insomnia is a type of sleep disorder that occurs in conjunction with another medical or psychiatric condition. For example, someone with depression may experience insomnia as a symptom of their condition. This type of insomnia can be challenging to treat since it requires treating the underlying condition first.
- Idiopathic Insomnia : Idiopathic insomnia is a rare type of sleep disorder that occurs in childhood and persists into adulthood. It is characterized by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, and waking up too early. The cause is unknown, but it is thought to be related to the brain’s inability to regulate sleep properly.
Insomnia is a sleep disorder that can have a major impact on your daily life. It can cause difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or getting quality sleep. Common symptoms of insomnia include sleepiness during the day, fatigue, grumpiness, problems with concentration or memory, lying awake for a long time before you fall asleep, sleeping for only short periods of time, being awake for much of the night, frustration and preoccupation with lack of sleep, physical aches and pains such as headaches and stomachaches.
It’s important to recognize these symptoms so that you can seek help if needed. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms it may be beneficial to speak to your doctor about potential treatments or therapies that could help improve your sleep quality.
Insomnia is a sleep disorder that can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background. However, certain people are more likely to develop insomnia than others. People who have co-occurring mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder are more likely to experience insomnia symptoms.
Additionally, people with chronic medical conditions such as heart disease, asthma, and arthritis may be more prone to developing insomnia due to the pain associated with these conditions.
Stressful life events such as job loss or divorce can also increase the risk of developing insomnia.
Additionally, poor sleep hygiene practices such as using electronic devices before bedtime or drinking caffeine late in the day can also lead to difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep.
In addition to lifestyle factors, certain medications can cause insomnia symptoms. Stimulants like caffeine and nicotine can interfere with sleep patterns while some medications used for allergies, colds, and high blood pressure can also disrupt sleep.
It is important to talk to a mental health professional if you think you may be experiencing insomnia symptoms. This way, we can help you identify any underlying causes of your sleep struggles and provide treatment options that will help improve your quality of sleep.
Evidence-Based Therapy Types for Insomnia & Related Disorders
Insomnia is a common sleep disorder that can have a significant impact on quality of life. Evidence-based therapies for insomnia are available to help people get the restful sleep they need.
One type of evidence-based (and highly effective) therapy for insomnia is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT helps people identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that may be contributing to their insomnia. It also teaches them techniques to help them relax, such as deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation.
Another type of evidence-based therapy for insomnia is stimulus control therapy. This approach helps people establish healthy sleep habits by teaching them how to associate their bed with sleep and not other activities, such as watching TV or working on a laptop. Stimulus control therapy also includes instructions on how to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day, as well as how long one should stay in bed if they are unable to fall asleep.
Sleep restriction therapy is another evidence-based approach for treating insomnia. This method involves limiting the amount of time spent in bed so that it matches the amount of time actually spent sleeping. By doing this, people can reduce the amount of time they spend lying awake in bed, which can help them fall asleep more quickly and stay asleep longer.
Finally, medication may be used as an evidence-based treatment for insomnia when other approaches have failed or are not appropriate for a particular person’s situation. Medications used to treat insomnia sometimes include benzodiazepines, nonbenzodiazepines, melatonin receptor agonists, sedating antidepressants, and over-the-counter medications like antihistamines or herbal supplements like valerian root extract or melatonin.
Although Looking Glass NYC does not prescribe medications, we’re happy to refer you to a psychiatrist who can evaluate your need for medications to help you sleep. We also work in-tandem with any of your other healthcare professionals to ensure we’re providing you with informed, targeted care.
In conclusion, there are several types of evidence-based therapies available for treating insomnia. These include cognitive behavioral therapy, stimulus control therapy, sleep restriction therapy, and medications. Reach out to Looking Glass NYC to determine which option may be best for you based on your individual needs and preferences.
Insomnia can be a debilitating condition that affects your quality of life. If you or someone you love is struggling with insomnia, Looking Glass NYC offers cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help treat your sleep disorder. CBT is an evidence-based approach to treating chronic sleep problems like insomnia and is often the first line of treatment recommended by medical professionals.
At Looking Glass NYC, our experienced team of therapists will guide you through a series of changes in sleep-related behaviors to address the underlying causes of your insomnia. Our program includes 4-6 sessions that focus on helping you develop healthy sleep habits and routines, as well as cognitive restructuring techniques to reduce stress and anxiety. We also provide education about how lifestyle factors like diet, exercise, and stress management can affect your sleep patterns.
Our goal is to help you get the restful sleep you need so that you can live a healthier, more productive life. With CBT at Looking Glass NYC, you’ll learn how to manage your insomnia symptoms and gain control over your sleeping patterns. You’ll also have access to ongoing support from our team of experts who are dedicated to helping you achieve better quality sleep for improved overall health and wellbeing.
If you or someone you know is suffering from insomnia, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Contact us today at Looking Glass NYC for more information about our CBT program for treating insomnia and improving your quality of life.
FAQs
What should I expect from my first therapy session?
During your first session, your therapist will ask you questions to get to know you and understand your reasons for coming to therapy. Your therapist will want to learn about your history, what’s going on with you now, and learn about what you want to get out of therapy. You’ll also have the opportunity to ask them questions about how therapy works so you know what to expect.
How long will I be in therapy for?
The amount of time therapy takes is different for each person. If you’re dealing with a short-term stressor that you want resolved, that will typically take less time than a problem you’ve been dealing with for a long while. For some, therapy is short-term, taking just a few months until they are satisfied with their progress. For others, therapy will become a part of their routine, helping them manage ongoing concerns in their life and having a safe outlet for them to explore themselves, their patterns, and understand themselves on a deeper level.
Virtual therapy: How does it work?
With the rise in virtual therapy, it makes sense to want to know more about how it works. Research shows that virtual therapy has the same benefits as therapy that takes place face-to-face. Virtual therapy is an effective way to fit therapy into your busy schedule, as it allows you to talk to your therapist in the comfort of your own home. With virtual therapy, you avoid the hurdles that can happen with face-to-face appointments, such as scheduling conflicts, traffic, and travel time. In order to make the most of your virtual session, meet with your therapist in a private space in your home and have a good internet connection.
How do I pick the right therapist for me?
You’ve decided to take that next step and start therapy, and it can feel overwhelming to decide on a therapist. That’s why we offer a complimentary consultation call with a Looking Glass Intake Coordinator to help you make an informed choice. Every therapist has different strengths and styles that they bring to sessions. When you are in the process of selecting a therapist, talk to your coordinator about what you want to get out of therapy so you can rest assured that you are matched with the right person for you. After all, therapy is all about creating a space where you feel comfortable to open up, so finding a therapist that you click with is the first step on your journey!
How do I know if therapy is working?
Starting from your first session, you and your therapist will talk about what you want to get out of therapy. You may come in with a very specific goal or you may use therapy as a space to talk about ongoing events in your life. Regardless of your therapy goals, your therapist will create a comfortable space for you to talk about how therapy is going so you are both on the same page about the process. Ultimately, you will get more out of therapy if you are willing to put more into it. Growth takes place when you are willing to reflect on yourself and take what you are learning during sessions out into the world with you. Below are a few signs of progress that clients typically note:
- You start noticing that your symptoms (anxiety, depression, panic attacks, etc.) are less frequent or intense than before.
- You’re able to function better at work, school, or in your personal relationships.
- You start to find that you have a better understanding of yourself, your feelings, and your behaviors. You’ve gained insights and are making connections that you didn’t make before.
- You might be using new coping skills that you’ve learned in therapy and they’re helping in your daily life.
- People close to you may tell you that they have noticed positive changes.
Do you accept my health insurance?
Looking Glass Psychology is Out-of-Network with health insurances. If you have an Out-of-Network or PPO insurance plan, your insurance will refund a large portion of each session, as long as you have met your Out-of-Network deductible. After each appointment, we’ll supply you with a receipt called a superbill or reimbursement form. To submit for a partial refund, simply log into your health insurance portal to enter the information listed on your superbill. If you have an Out-of-Network plan and have met your Out-of-Network deductible, your health plan will mail the partial refund in the form of a check to your home a few weeks after each appointment. Questions? Email info@LookingGlassNYC.com or chat with us live during business hours by clicking the “Message Us” button on this page.
When can I book an appointment with you?
Your appointment request is our top priority, so we’ll get you on the schedule as soon as possible – no waitlists, and no hassle. Many of our clinicians offer both in-person and video appointments in the early morning, afternoon, late evening, or even weekends. To request an appointment, click the following link: https://lookingglassnyc.clientsecure.me or chat with us live during business hours by texting (646) 350-2202. Prefer a phone call? Contact us today by calling (646) 760-3399.