The Assessment and Treatment of Insomnia in Teens

The Center for Disease Control has alerted Americans that sleep deprivation is a serious public health epidemic that is clearly linked to individual health and public safety concerns. Sleep is food for the brain, particularly for the developing brains of teens. More than half of the teens who are 15 years old or older are getting less than six hours of sleep. Sleep-deprived teens are at risk for mood problems, depression, memory and learning difficulties. Early school start times, social media, electronic devices, late-night homework and an irregular sleep pattern (up late during the week and sleeping in late on the weekends) contribute to teens being the highest risk group for inadequate sleep.

Given this teen sleep crisis, empirically validated treatment protocols that target the unique needs of teens are an important tool for all clinicians working with teens. Fortunately, insomnia is a very treatable condition at any age. The most durable and effective treatment does not require medication. Cognitive Behavioral Treatment for Insomnia (CBTi) builds on basic behavioral techniques and incorporates interventions directed at reducing sleep anxiety, cognitive activity (racing thoughts) and modifying sleep schedule.

This daylong workshop gives you an overview of the factors that contribute to insomnia in teens and the essential features of the cognitive-behavioral assessment and treatment of insomnia for teen insomnia. The workshop includes role-plays, exercises and video to demonstrate and practice the key strategies of the treatment approach. All attendees receive a free copy of The Insomnia Workbook for Teens: Skills to Help You Stop Stressing and Start Sleeping (New Harbinger, 2018).