Sleep Therapy – Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Sleep Disorders
Sleep is one of the most important foundations for our health, performance and emotional balance. Yet millions of people suffer from difficulties falling asleep, staying asleep or other sleep disorders that deeply affect their daily lives. Extreme tiredness, lack of concentration and irritability become constant companions, while at the same time the risk for physical and mental illness rises.
The good news is that sleep disorders can be treated effectively with sleep therapy. Patients can break the cycle of exhaustion and finally regain their well-deserved quality of life.
What Are Sleep Disorders?
Sleep disorders are more than just occasional restless nights. They cover a wide range of conditions that disrupt the natural sleep rhythm and thereby impact health and well-being over time. The most common forms include:
- Insomnia (difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep)
- Sleep apnea and other sleep-related breathing disorders that cause breathing pauses and frequent awakenings
- Parasomnias (unusual behaviors during sleep) such as sleepwalking or night terrors
- Circadian rhythm disorders caused by shift work or jet lag that throw the internal clock out of balance
If left untreated, sleep disorders can have serious consequences. Beyond chronic fatigue and reduced performance, they may lead to cardiovascular disease, depression or anxiety. Many people downplay their sleep issues and only act when serious health risks already exist. We recommend early treatment. The sooner therapy begins, the faster we can restore healthy sleep and improve your overall well-being.
60–90 Minuten
Fit für den Alltag
Nach 10 Tagen
Pflaster- und Fadenentfernung nach 7 Tagen
Ambulant
Common Questions About Cognitive Therapy for Sleep Disorders
Which therapy helps with sleep disorders?
The recommended treatment for chronic sleep disorders is cognitive behavioral therapy. It targets the causes, works long term and avoids medication.
What happens in sleep therapy?
In sleep therapy, you learn to improve sleep quality through specific behavioral changes, relaxation methods and better ways of handling stressful thoughts. This includes regular sleep routines, techniques to reduce racing thoughts and strategies to reconnect the bed with sleep.
How long does sleep therapy last?
Usually cognitive behavioral therapy for sleep disorders consists of six to twelve sessions. However, first improvements often appear after only a few weeks when the methods are applied consistently.
What can I expect during therapy?
Therapy begins with a thorough assessment of your sleep patterns and possible causes. Based on this, individual strategies are developed and gradually put into practice. Regular sessions monitor your progress, adjust methods and prevent relapses.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Sleep Disorders
In the treatment of chronic sleep problems, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has proven especially effective. Unlike sleep medication, it does not just mask symptoms temporarily but brings lasting changes to thoughts and behaviors that interfere with sleep. This enables patients to return to healthy sleep largely without the need for medication.
Benefits of Cognitive Therapy for Sleep Disorders
Unlike many drug-based treatments, CBT does not only suppress symptoms but addresses the true causes of sleep problems. The approach is holistic: together we focus on changing the thought and behavior patterns that disturb sleep. In doing so, you not only improve your rest but also reduce stress, repetitive thoughts and emotional strain.
Since CBT relies only on mental and behavioral strategies, it does not cause the side effects or dependency linked to sleep medication. Instead, it strengthens your own ability to influence your sleep and helps you integrate lasting strategies into your daily life. The effectiveness of CBT is scientifically proven and is considered the first-choice treatment for insomnia (CBT-I) worldwide.
How Sleep Therapy Works
Your sleep therapy in Zurich is always tailored to your diagnosis, needs and lifestyle. In an initial consultation we review your symptoms, how long they have persisted and any previous treatment attempts. You may be asked to keep a sleep diary or spend a night in the sleep lab so that we can establish a precise diagnosis and rule out other conditions.
Based on these results, our therapists develop personalized methods to help you overcome your sleep problems. Depending on your needs, these may include sleep restriction exercises, relaxation techniques or strategies against recurring thoughts, which you then apply independently in daily life. Throughout the process, you remain in close contact with our experts to ensure the methods become routine and lead to long-term improvement.
Your Sleep Therapy in Switzerland
Chronic sleep disorders place a heavy burden on quality of life. With cognitive therapy, many of our patients already experience significant improvements within just a few sessions. We support them in gradually building healthy habits and leaving exhausting patterns behind.
Let us help you find your way back to restful sleep and renewed energy. Book your appointment now.
Team of Experts
PD Dr. med. Marie-An Carstensen De Letter
Specialist in Neurology FMH / Neurophysiology / Sleep Medicine
Besire Morina
COO Sleep lab
Do you have any questions? Contact us!
Our sleep lab team is here to help — reach out with your questions and get expert guidance for better sleep.
"Sleep is the best meditation."
Dalai Lama
