Is it possible to tackle insomnia-related problems and anxiety through normal CBT therapy?

Hello Afu,

I am sorry to hear you have been having so much difficulty with anxiety and that it is impeding your ability to sleep and function in your day to day the way you would like to be functioning. I want to assure you that I absolutely do believe that cognitive behavioral therapy can indeed help in this matter. Anxiety is rooted in thought and CBT will help you to work through the thoughts producing that anxiety for you. Anxiety is a feeling and is directly a result of the various thoughts you may be having. 

It is actually quite common to experience an increase of anxiety at night when you are trying to sleep. This is in part due to the fact that at night time there are less natural distractions than there are throughout the day. This leads to an increase of thoughts circling around in your head. If those thoughts are allowed to circle and they are not challenged or reframed then you have an emotional response, in this case anxiety.

CBT can help you to learn how to effectively challenge and reframe those thoughts that come up at night which will begin to lessen the anxiety that is keeping you awake at night.

There are many therapists here on the BetterHelp platform that are trained in cognitive behavioral therapy and who would love to help you get a handle on your anxiety so that you can live your best life. Anxiety does not have to continue to have such hold over your life. There are also many other options of receiving therapy such as using your insurance or accessing community mental health services if betterHelp isn't a good fit for you or inaccessible financially.

In the meantime, try to practice good sleep hygiene by having a good routine, avoiding technology when you are trying to sleep, not napping during the day and avoiding things like caffeine, alcohol and tobacco. Be gentle with yourself and do not judge yourself. That just compounds things. Be patient as you work through the thoughts.

I wish you well and want to thank you again for your question.

Take care and best of wishes as you pursue counseling.