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Rather than prescribing sleeping pills for seniors with insomnia, British researchers recommend trying cognitive behavioral therapy. For the study, the researchers examined previous research to measure the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral treatments (CBT) for individuals older than 60 and discovered consistent sleep improvements for people who underwent CBT.
This type of therapy helps individuals change poor sleep habits and challenges negative thoughts, attitudes, and beliefs about sleep. For instance, patients are taught to practice muscle relaxation skills. Another effective CBT intervention is helping people overcome anxiety about insomnia, according to the findings published in Sleep Medicine Review (January 2004).