Saturday, May 18, 2024

The Connection Between Insomnia and Mental Health

Key Takeaways

  • Insomnia Disorder is very common, and even more so in people with mental health conditions.
  • Insomnia can increase the risk and severity of mental health struggles.
  • Cognitive Behaviour Therapy-Insomnia (CBT-I) is typically a short treatment and is the recommended first line treatment for insomnia.
  • Treating insomnia has beneficial impacts not just for insomnia but on co-existing mental health conditions.

The Connection Between Insomnia and Mental Health

Insomnia, a common sleep disorder characterised by difficulty falling or staying asleep, is intricately linked to mental health conditions. The research of Dr. Melissa Ree, Clinical Psychologist at Sleep Matters in Perth, sheds light on the profound impact of insomnia on mental health outcomes and the effectiveness of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy-Insomnia (CBT-I) in addressing these challenges.

Let’s delve into the complex relationship between insomnia and mental health, the role of CBT-I in treatment, and how the team at Sleep Matters can assist individuals facing these issues.

Understanding the Insomnia-Mental Health Connection

Insomnia Disorder affects 10-15% of the adult population in Australia (although 38% have symptoms of insomnia at any one time). Insomnia and mental health are closely intertwined, with insomnia often exacerbating mental health conditions and vice versa. Indeed, insomnia is the most commonly appearing symptom in the DSM-V, the comprehensive classification of all mental health diagnoses.

However, we know that insomnia is not merely a symptom of mental health concerns. Research indicates that it can actively contribute to the development and worsening of these conditions, worsening the risk, severity, and recurrence. When insomnia becomes persistent, even if it was initially triggered by a mental health issue, it develops its own mechanisms that continue even after the mental health problem is addressed. For instance, insomnia is the most common lingering symptom in individuals who have recovered from depression. This means that treating the underlying mental health condition may not automatically resolve the ongoing challenges posed by insomnia.

See for more information: https://www.sleepfoundation.org/mental-health

The neurobiological pathway underlying this connection may involve disruptions in neuroplasticity, highlighting the need for targeted interventions like CBT-I.

The Role of CBT-I in Insomnia Treatment

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy-Insomnia (CBT-I) is recommended as the first-line treatment for insomnia due to its effectiveness and minimal adverse effects. Treatment guidelines tell us that insomnia should be treated with CBT even if there are other conditions present. This short-term structured therapy aims to help individuals modify behaviours and thoughts that impact their ability to sleep well, typically in just 4-8 sessions. By addressing factors such as sleep regulation processes (homeostatic sleep drive and circadian rhythm), arousal impact on sleep, anxiety reduction, and stress management, CBT-I empowers individuals to improve their sleep patterns and overall wellbeing.

Approximately 80% of individuals undergoing CBT-I experience positive outcomes that are long-lasting, even when other mental health conditions are present. CBT-I can also be effective when used alongside sleep medications and can help individuals gradually reduce their reliance on these medications.

Benefits of CBT-I Beyond Sleep

The benefits of CBT-I extend beyond improving sleep quality. Research indicates that CBT-I can amplify responses to antidepressants, reduce the risk of mania in bipolar patients, enhance psychological therapies for PTSD, reduce psychotic symptoms, and improve mood, anxiety levels, and overall quality of life.

Additionally, treating insomnia alongside conditions like Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) can directly benefit OSA management and indirectly reduce the risk of depression associated with OSA.

In our clinic, we’ve noticed that individuals often find seeking treatment for insomnia less daunting and stigmatising than addressing other mental health concerns. CBT-I serves as a gentle introduction to the therapeutic process, offering a pathway for clients to engage with broader psychological therapy. Interestingly, many clients who initially seek help for insomnia later choose to address other mental health issues they may not have tackled initially. This highlights how CBT-I can serve as a stepping stone towards holistic mental health care, empowering individuals to take charge in ways they might not have considered before.


The Connection Between Insomnia and Mental Health

How our Psychologists at Sleep Matters Can Assist

Sleep Matters is one of the services offered by J&R Clinical Psychology, and it is dedicated to providing comprehensive support for individuals struggling with insomnia and related mental health difficulties. Our tailored approach includes:

  • Screening for Insomnia: Using validated tools like the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) to identify insomnia disorders early on.
  • Personalised Treatment Plans: Developing individualised treatment strategies that integrate CBT-I with other therapeutic modalities.
  • Holistic Care: Addressing underlying issues contributing to sleep disturbances and mental health conditions through collaborative interventions.
  • Empowerment Through Therapy: Equipping clients with coping strategies and tools to manage their mental health effectively.

By integrating evidence-based practices like CBT-I into our clinical approach, we aim to empower individuals to better manage their mental health by addressing insomnia comprehensively.

For more information on how Sleep Matters can support you in managing insomnia and enhancing your mental health, please contact us for personalised assistance.

References:

Freeman, D., et al. “Sleep disturbance and psychiatric disorders: the non-specific as essential in understanding and treating mental ill health.” Lancet Psychiatry 7.7 (2020).

Ree, MJ., Moira J., Cunnington D. “Australasian Sleep Association position statement regarding the use of psychological/behavioral treatments in the management of insomnia in adults.” Sleep medicine 36 (2017): S43-S47.

Morin, Charles M., et al. “World sleep society international sleep medicine guidelines position statement endorsement of “behavioral and psychological treatments for chronic insomnia disorder in adults: An American Academy of sleep medicine clinical practice guidelines”.” Sleep Medicine (2023).

Ree, MJ., Richardson C. “Insomnia disorder update: the benefits of screening and treatment for this common presentation.” Internal Medicine Journal 51.11 (2021): 1798-1805

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By: Sleep Matters Team
Title: The Connection Between Insomnia and Mental Health
Sourced From: www.sleepmattersperth.com.au/the-connection-between-insomnia-and-mental-health/
Published Date: Thu, 14 Mar 2024 21:43:49 +0000

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