What is Chronic Insomnia?

Insomnia can be defined as difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early in the morning. While we all might experience such challenging nights for various reasons, if these problems persist over a few months and occur at least three times a week, insomnia can be viewed as chronic. Diagnosing chronic insomnia also depends on whether these problems persist despite adequate opportunity for sleep and result in difficulties during the day.

Insomnia treatment Calgary
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“What is insomnia but the gift of more time?”

Insomnia treatment Calgary
post-concussion clinic Calgary

How Do I Know If
I Have Insomnia?

It is not exactly clear when sleep difficulties turn into “chronic insomnia.” However, if you find that you are struggling to sleep well several nights a week, for several weeks, and it is negatively impacting your mood, your ability to think clearly, or perform day-to-day activities (e.g. work, school, personally meaningful activities), it may be helpful to discuss these concerns with a psychologist or your family doctor. If left untreated, chronic insomnia can increase risk for various medical concerns, including high blood pressure, obesity, depression and cognitive impairment. 

What is the Treatment for Insomnia?

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy For Insomnia

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) is a structured insomnia treatment in Calgary. For chronic sleep problems, it is effective in 70-80% of participants. It is typically recommended as the first option for insomnia treatment and can be implemented without, or alongside, medications. Treatment involves active participation and helps address behaviours and thoughts that interfere with healthy sleep patterns. Treatment time varies depending on individual challenges and needs. For many, CBT-I is typically delivered over 4-8 sessions, either weekly or biweekly, for 30-50 minutes each. Clients often report improvements within two weeks of following the treatment plan.

Care Wherever You Are

Our team can provide virtual care services (online or over the phone) to people across Alberta who have concerns about their physical, emotional, or cognitive health.

"Sleep will come get you when it’s ready…that may not be tonight."

Care Wherever You Are

Our team can provide virtual care services (online or over the phone) to people across Alberta who have concerns about their physical, emotional, or cognitive health.

"Sleep will come get you when it’s ready…that may not be tonight."

Develop Healthy Sleep Habits

Learning helpful sleep-related behaviours based on the biology of sleep can naturally promote sleep quality, quantity, and stability.

Recognize & Change Beliefs

Addressing our perceptions and expectations around sleep can shift our perspective on what is ‘normal’ and lessen feelings of anxiety and worry, which can worsen sleep concerns.

Enjoy Better Health as a Result


Improving sleep can help to minimize risk or worsening of various health concerns, as well as improve daytime function and overall quality of life. When used in conjunction with other services, such as those that a
Calgary chronic pain clinic can provide, the results can be even more effective.

Insomnia treatment Calgary

Our Approach to Insomnia Treatment in Calgary

Information regarding sleep patterns, lifestyle, and factors contributing to insomnia will be gathered during and after the initial appointment. This includes a sleep diary that is filled out by the client 1-2 weeks before their first treatment session. Follow-up sessions focus on monitoring progress, discussing factors that impact sleep stability, addressing associated mental health concerns, and making adjustments to the prescribed plan. The goal of Calgary insomnia treatment is to optimize sleep quality, quantity and stability so that it is more satisfying for the client.