Chronic insomnia can impair cognitive abilities and the immune system and can intensify other mental and physical disorders. Yet existing medical, psychological, and alternative treatments have only limited success in treating this persistent disorder. In this clinical guide, Jason C. Ong introduces mental health practitioners to an innovative, evidence-based treatment: mindfulness-based therapy for insomnia (MBTI). This group intervention combines mindfulness meditation with principles and strategies derived from cognitive behavioral therapy using guided meditations, group discussions, and daily activities performed at home. Participants are able to cultivate greater self-awareness and change their unhealthy thoughts and behaviors surrounding sleep to reduce stress, sleeplessness, and other insomnia symptoms long after treatment has ended. Mental health professionals are shown how to integrate MBTI into their own practices through detailed session-by-session guidelines. They are also advised on evaluating potential participants prior to treatment by assessing physical and psychological issues that underlie their insomnia. The result is a versatile and effective approach for helping clients find relief. Table of Contents: Preface Acknowledgments Introduction I. Background Insomnia: The Problem of SleeplessnessCurrent Treatments for InsomniaMindfulness Meditation: Awakening to Better Sleep II. Principles and Practices of MBTI Theoretical Foundations and Preparation for MBTIGetting Started With MBTIReprogramming the Brain for SleepUsing Mindfulness Principles to Work With the Territory of InsomniaBringing MBTI to Closure and Mindfulness to Life III. MBTI in the Laboratory and the Real World Is Mindfulness Meditation an Effective Treatment for Insomnia?Delivering MBTI in the Real World Appendix References Index About the Author Author Bio: Jason C. Ong, PhD, is an associate professor in the department of neurology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. He is the director of the behavioral sleep medicine training program and the principal investigator of the behavioral sleep and circadian medicine laboratory. He received his doctorate in psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University and completed a fellowship in behavioral sleep medicine at Stanford University School of Medicine. His primary research and clinical interests are behavioral and mindfulness-based treatments for insomnia and other sleep disorders. Other research interests include the impact of sleep disturbance on chronic health conditions. |