June 2015

Sleepless Mature Man

istockphoto

A simple one-hour therapy session has helped to cure 73% of people suffering from acute insomnia, according to a new study from Northumbria University released today.

In the first ever study to attempt to treat insomnia in the acute phase – before it becomes chronic – researchers found that almost three-quarters of participants saw improvements in the quality of their sleep within three months following a 60-minute cognitive behavioural therapy session.

The findings, which have been published today (Monday 1 June) in the international journal SLEEP, are especially important as those transitioning from acute to chronic insomnia are particularly vulnerable to the onset of depression due to the condition.

People with insomnia report consistent issues with the quality, duration or continuity of their sleep patterns. They may find it difficult to fall asleep, struggle to go back to sleep on waking during the night or wake early which can lead to problems with attention, concentration, mood and memory. Approximately one third of the adult population reports symptoms of insomnia, with 10% suffering from an insomnia disorder. [continue reading…]