Developing Sleep Habits
Sleep education training aims to empower individuals with the knowledge, tools, and skills to make informed decisions and actions about their sleep habits. Our structured program includes resources designed to inform individuals about the importance of sleep and provide strategies to improve sleep quality. Components of sleep education training may include interactive elements, such as group discussion and practical exercises, to enhance the learning experience, evidence-based guidance from healthcare professionals, and sleep hygiene practices, education and strategies tailored to address the individual’s unique needs.
Cognitive and behavioural strategies may include learning about the foundational principles of cognitive behavioural therapy, such as identifying and addressing negative thought patterns, relaxation strategies to manage stress and reduce nervous system activation before bedtime, and proper sleep routines to associate the bed and bedroom with sleep.
Sleep education includes information on the importance of sleep, the normal sleep cycle, factors that can impact sleep quality, goal setting, and relaxation techniques. This information helps individuals to develop realistic expectations about sleep, as well as strategies and sleep routines that work for them.
Insomnia and The Importance of Sleep
The background of sleep education is rooted in the growing recognition of the importance of sleep in maintaining overall health and well-being. Societal attitudes toward sleep have evolved, with a greater emphasis on the importance of quality sleep as a pillar of overall health. Throughout the 20th century, ongoing research and advancements in sleep medicine have contributed to our understanding of sleep, such as a deeper understanding of sleep cycles, stages, and the physiological and psychological processes involved.
Cognitive and behavioural interventions of sleep education training focus on teaching individuals about the interplay between thoughts, behaviours, and sleep. It draws from principles of cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-i) which is a structured, evidence based therapeutic approach specifically designed to address sleep difficulties. This approach, which emerged in the 1980s, addresses difficulties with sleep by identifying and addressing the individual behaviour and thought patterns that interfere with sleep. CBT-i is considered an effective, long-lasting form of treatment for insomnia and complex insomnia with comorbid medical and psychiatric conditions, and leads to overall sleep improvements. Emerging research continues to guide sleep education training and informing best practices.