For Clinicians:

Using Mindfulness to Help Your Clients Improve Sleep

The following handout is based on my SSCIT presentation
"Mindfulness as a Sleep Aid."
Your clients may attend my public presentations!
See my Events page on this site for dates and locations.

You may also refer to the "Sleep Group" page under
Specializations / Wellness Counseling
for my "Better-Sleep Checklist" for your clients.

​​I hope this helps you ... whether your own sleep, or your clients! 

• Help your client use their self-awareness around their sleep, especially before sleep onset.
  
  
• Educate your client on how fight/flight/freeze decreases the chance of good sleep, and how to engage relaxation before sleep.
  
  
• As a therapist, you may have your own ways to help your clients elicit the relaxation response. Based on my experience and training, I teach them meditation; CBT / CBT-I around distorted thoughts about their insomnia; and breathing exercises. Whatever you’re most comfortable using with your experience and knowledge base is most appropriate. But most importantly, inquire with the client about what relaxation techniques work for them, whether learned from therapy with you, or on their own. Clients will be more likely to use ones they know and trust on a regular basis.
  
  
• CBT-I includes helping the client change their behaviors before sleep onset and upon waking, and reviewing and reframing thought patterns around insomnia and how sleep problems are affecting their lives. This includes, for example, turning off electronics and dimming lights an hour before bed; eating no later than two hours before bed. See my 7-day checklist for more. Or refer to these websites:  sleepfoundation.org/sleep-topics/sleep-hygiene and healthysleep.med.harvard.edu/healthy/getting/overcoming/tips .
  
  
• Sleep hygiene is a significant part of CBT-I.
  
  
• Monitor sleep with your client over time and applaud improvement. And use these with yourself. Knowing how they affect and help you will help you help your clients!