Sarasota Sleep Specialists for Chronic Insomnia or Sleep Problems

Where to Start for Trouble Sleeping

If you are struggling to fall asleep, stay asleep, struggling with racing thoughts or worries at night, or feeling dread about bedtime, then a local provider of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) may be the right choice for you. If you're struggling with sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, narcolepsy, trouble staying awake during the day, or unusual night time behaviors then a sleep medicine physician and clinic may be the best choice. Read on to learn more about which sleep specialist may be right for you and treatment options in the Sarasota area.

Insomnia & CBT-I Specialists

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) is a brief, structed treatment that addresses the patterns that cause and maintain insomnia while working with your body's natural sleep rhythms. It is considered the gold standard treatment for insomnia.

CBT-I may be the best fit if your sleep struggles include:

• Difficulty falling asleep

• Difficulty staying asleep

• Waking earlier than you'd like

• Racing thoughts or night time anxiety

• Spending a long time lying awake in bed

• Dread or anxiety about bedtime or the impacts of difficulty sleeping

• Nightmares

  
  

CBT-I is different from standard CBT and requires specialty training. You can learn more about CBT-I in

the article "What Happens During CBT-I Therapy?" Katie Bernard, LCSW provides CBT-I in the Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch areas as well as virtually for adults in Florida. This CBT-I directory can also help you find a trained therapist.

When to See a Physician Sleep Specialist

Some sleep issues require evaluation and treatment by a physician. This includes:

• Sleep apnea

• Loud snoring

• Significant difficulty staying awake during the day

• Restless leg syndrome

• Narcolepsy

• Sleep walking, night terrors, or other unusual behaviors while sleeping

  
  

Sarasota has a number of sleep physician clinics including the Sarasota Memorial Sleep Disorder Clinic, Florida Sleep Specialists, Lakewood Ranch Medical Center Sleep Center, and the Angsten Center for Pulmonary and Sleep Disorders. A number of local pulmonologists. ENT physicians, and dental sleep medicine specialists treat sleep apnea as well. Speaking with your primary care physician about your difficulties is always a smart choice as well.

Can You Need Both?

Absolutely. Insomnia or sleep related anxiety often develops alongside other sleep problems. While it's important to address underlying medical conditions as a first priority, CBT-I and insomnia focused therapy can be a helpful adjunct treatment for other sleep disorders.

Still Not Sure Where to Find a Sarasota Sleep Specialist Right For You?

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine has helpful information on sleep topics that can be found at SleepEducation.org. Additionally, Katie Bernard, LCSW at Bernard Counseling offers a free 15 minute consultation and can speak with you about your sleep difficulties and recommend helpful next steps. You can request your consultation HERE.

About the author: Katie Bernard, LCSW, is a Florida therapist specializing in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia and anxiety therapy for adults. She provides online therapy throughout Florida and limited in-person care in Sarasota | Lakewood Ranch.