Non-pharmacological treatments for insomnia

Insomnia is a common disorder effecting millions of people worldwide. Currently most individuals suffering from insomnia take medications to help them sleep. However, there are a variety of behavioral treatments, which have been shown to be effective in empirical studies that offer many advantages over medications. In addition, behavioral treatments have been shown to be more effective long-term than medication. This paper reviews the principles and practice of these behavioral treatments. At the end of the paper there is also a brief discussion of circadian rhythm disorders that can mimic insomnia.