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Published on: 10/24/2025
What is the first-line treatment for chronic insomnia?
The first-line treatment for chronic insomnia is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I). It is preferred over medication because it is effective and has lasting benefits.
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Explanation
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia, or CBT-I, is considered the best first treatment for chronic insomnia. This is because it helps people change their sleep habits and thoughts about sleep. Unlike medications, CBT-I teaches skills that can help improve sleep over the long term.
Why CBT-I?
- Effective: Research shows that CBT-I works well for many people with chronic insomnia.
- Long-lasting: The skills learned in CBT-I can help improve sleep even after the therapy ends.
- No side effects: Unlike some medicines, CBT-I does not have side effects.
What is CBT-I?
- Sleep Education: Learning about how sleep works and what affects it.
- Sleep Hygiene: Making changes to your bedroom and sleep routine to help you sleep better.
- Cognitive Therapy: Changing thoughts and worries about sleep that might keep you awake.
- Behavioral Techniques: Trying things like setting a regular sleep schedule or relaxation exercises.
For more information or help with mental health concerns, you can visit https://988lifeline.org/.
(References)
- Riemann D, Espie CA, Altena E, Arnardottir ES, Baglioni C, Bassetti CLA, et al. (2023). An update on the diagnosis and treatment of insomnia 2023. Journal of sleep research, 38016484.
- Trauer JM, Qian MY, Doyle JS, Rajaratnam SM, & Cunnington D. (2015). Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Chronic Insomnia. Annals of internal medicine, 26054060.
- Riemann D, Baglioni C, Bassetti C, Bjorvatn B, Dolenc Groselj L, Ellis JG, et al. (2017). European guideline for the diagnosis and treatment .... Journal of sleep research, 28875581.
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