Sleep Therapist Denver | Insomnia Treatment for a Good Night’s Rest
Nearly one-third of U.S. adults sleep for less than seven hours a night. 33.2% say they have trouble falling asleep most nights or every night in a month. --CDC
Get the Night's Rest You Deserve with Gorog Health
Sleep problems, such as insomnia, are caused by stress, anxiety, medical conditions, or unhealthy sleep habits. They affect your daily life negatively with persistent fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and irritability.
At Gorog Health in Denver, we specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I), a highly effective treatment for overcoming sleep difficulties. Explore how CBT-I at Gorog Health can help you achieve restful, restorative sleep and improve your overall well-being.
What Is a Sleep Therapist?
Sleep therapists are healthcare professionals who specialize in helping people improve their sleep quality. They are experts in understanding and addressing various sleep disorders and issues. Sleep therapists use their expertise to:
- Diagnose sleep-related disorders: They assess patients’ sleeping habits and symptoms to identify underlying problems.
- Educate patients: They provide information about sleep hygiene, healthy sleep habits, and the impact of lifestyle factors on sleep.
- Offer personalized advice: They tailor their recommendations to each patient’s specific needs and circumstances.
Based on your sleep habits, medical history, and lifestyle information, your sleep therapist will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan. The plan includes behavioral techniques, lifestyle changes, or in some cases, medication.
For instance, if you have difficulty falling asleep, a sleep therapist may use CBT-I to help you develop better sleep habits and reduce anxiety around sleep.
Addressing Sleep Disorders Through Mental Health Treatment
Mental health and sleep are closely connected such that each influences the other in significant ways. When mental health suffers, sleep does too, leading to a vicious cycle where poor sleep worsens mental health symptoms, and so on.
Here is how mental health therapies have proven effective for treating different common sleep disorders.
Insomnia
Mental health treatment, especially CBT for insomnia, is a highly effective treatment for insomnia. CBT-I helps you change the thoughts and behaviors that cause or worsen the condition. During treatment, you work with a therapist to develop better sleep habits, manage stress, and create a more sleep-friendly environment.
CBT-I includes techniques like:
- Sleep restriction: Limiting the time you spend in bed to increase the drive to sleep.
- Stimulus control: Associating your bed and bedroom with sleep and sex only, so your mind learns to relax when you get into bed.
- Cognitive restructuring: Identifying and changing negative thoughts about sleep that keep you awake.
Mental health therapy offers a long-term solution to the condition by addressing the root causes, rather than just treating the symptoms.
Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder where your breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. These pauses in breathing last from a few seconds to a minute and can occur many times throughout the night. As a result, sleep is disrupted, which leads to poor sleep quality and daytime tiredness.
There are three main types of sleep apnea:
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA): This is the most common type of sleep apnea. It happens when the muscles in the back of your throat relax too much during sleep, causing a blockage in the airway. The blockage prevents air from getting into the lungs and leads to pauses in breathing.
- Central sleep apnea: In this type, the brain doesn’t send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing. Unlike obstructive sleep apnea, the airway is not blocked, but the brain fails to signal the body to breathe.
- Complex sleep apnea syndrome: Also known as treatment-emergent central sleep apnea, this is a combination of obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea. It develops when someone with obstructive sleep apnea receives treatment, like continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), but still experiences central sleep apnea.
Mental health treatment plays a crucial role in managing sleep apnea, especially when combined with medical treatments.
CBT is particularly helpful in addressing the anxiety and stress that often accompany sleep apnea. It also assists in promoting better sleep hygiene and lifestyle changes, such as weight loss, which are important in managing the condition.
Similarly, biofeedback—another mental health treatment helps individuals gain awareness and control over physiological functions, such as breathing patterns and muscle tension. Patients learn to regulate their breathing and relax their muscles, which may help reduce sleep apnea episodes.
Other relaxation techniques such as progressive muscle relaxation, guided imagery, and deep breathing exercises can help reduce the stress and tension that may contribute to sleep apnea.
Evidence-Based Approaches to Treating Sleepless Nights
Targeted, evidence-based mental health therapies address the underlying psychological factors that contribute to sleeplessness and offer effective solutions for improving sleep quality. Here are four of the most recognized and effective therapies:
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I)
CBT-I is a structured, evidence-based approach to help individuals who struggle with sleepless nights. It addresses both the mental and behavioral aspects of insomnia.
The cognitive component helps identify and challenge negative thoughts and beliefs about sleep. For example, people with insomnia often develop anxiety around bedtime and fear they won’t be able to sleep. CBT-I helps them reframe these thoughts to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. The behavioral aspect of CBT-I involves changing habits and routines that contribute to the condition.
Sleep restriction limits the time spent in bed to only the time actually spent sleeping. Over time, this helps improve sleep efficiency and can eventually increase total sleep time. Similarly, the stimulus control technique trains people to create a strong association between the bed and sleep. For example, it teaches people to go to bed only when they’re sleepy and to get out of bed if they can’t sleep within a short period.
CBT-I also emphasizes good sleep hygiene practices, such as maintaining a regular sleep schedule, avoiding caffeine and heavy meals before bed, and creating a comfortable sleep environment.
Relaxation Therapies
Different types of clinically proven relaxation therapies help with insomnia. Progressive muscle relaxation, for instance, involves tensing and then slowly releasing different muscle groups in the body. It helps reduce physical tension and promotes a sense of relaxation. The method usually starts with the muscles in the feet and gradually moves up to the muscles in the head.
Deep breathing exercises where you take slow, deep breaths to activate the body’s relaxation response have also been shown to manage sleep problems. They slow the heart rate, reduce blood pressure, and create a calm mental state, all of which make it easier to drift off to sleep.
Biofeedback
During a biofeedback session, sensors are attached to the body to measure various physiological responses. Commonly monitored functions include heart rate, muscle tension, skin temperature, and brain waves.
The data collected by the sensors is displayed on a screen in real-time so patients can see how their body responds to different stimuli or relaxation techniques. For example, if you practice deep breathing, you can see how your heart rate slows down or muscle tension decreases.
Many sleep problems are rooted in stress, anxiety, or other psychological factors that lead to hyperarousal—when the body is too alert or tense to fall asleep. By using biofeedback, people learn to calm their nervous system and reduce the physiological arousal that interferes with sleep.
We use biofeedback as an adjunct treatment with other therapies, such as CBT-I and psychoeducation, to provide a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses both the mental and physical aspects of your sleep difficulties.
Psychoeducation
This approach involves teaching patients about psychological principles and mental health to help them understand and manage their sleep better. When it comes to treating sleepless nights, psychoeducation provides valuable information about sleep processes, sleep hygiene, and strategies to improve sleep quality.
An important aspect of psychoeducation is teaching sleep hygiene. It offers practical advice on creating a sleep-friendly environment, maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, and avoiding substances like caffeine and alcohol that can interfere with sleep.
Psychoeducation also helps you identify and address behaviors and habits that negatively impact your sleep, such as excessive screen time before bed or irregular sleep patterns.
Unique Treatment Plans
Customized Treatment Plans
We at Gorog Health will use outcome indicators to track and measure your progress, and continually adjust your treatment plan. We believe that patient engagement is crucial in treating insomnia, so we ask that you maintain a sleep diary outlining several key aspects of sleep related to your identified sleep disruption.
As a first-line intervention, we will guide you in practicing stimulus-control methods and sleep restriction techniques to recalibrate your circadian rhythm and disrupt both cognitive and behavioral patterns contributing to your sleep problem. We also implement various relaxation techniques and offer biofeedback to help you achieve enhanced relaxation.
Cognitively, we will explore your beliefs about sleep or the lack thereof, and work together on methods to restructure thoughts and beliefs that may be paradoxically maintaining somatic tension.
Together we’ll come up with a treatment plan that effectively addresses your insomnia once and for all.
Did you know insomnia has a high relapse rate? 26% relapse after only 3 years of receiving treatment. That’s why we work with you to educate you and empower you to become your own sleep expert. If necessary, we will also collaborate with other medical professionals if the use of pharmaceutical sleep aids would benefit your particular situation.
The Gorog Health Difference: Mental Health that Improves Your Life
Dr. Lauren Gorog and her team provide an integrative approach to sleep therapy that blends psychophysiological insights with holistic techniques. We deliver compassionate care focused on both mental and physical well-being. Here’s what sets us apart:
Local to Denver
At Gorog Health, we pride ourselves on being deeply rooted in the Denver community. Our local presence means we understand the unique needs and challenges of our Denver patients. We are located in the heart of Denver off Madison Avenue.
Our local presence also helps us offer personalized support that is tailored to your local lifestyle and preferences. It allows us to build strong relationships with our patients and provide a level of care that is both familiar and responsive.
Expertise in Insomnia Disorders
Gorog Health stands out for its expertise in treating insomnia disorders. Dr. Gorog holds a Master’s in Clinical Counseling and a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, the highest level of training for mental health professionals. With over 12 years of experience, she and her team have treated countless patients with this sleep condition.
We stay up-to-date with the latest research and advancements in treatment to ensure that you receive the most effective and evidence-based care available.
Customized Treatment Plans
At Gorog Health, we believe that no two cases are the same. That’s why Gorog Health offers customized treatment plans designed to address your specific needs and circumstances.
We take the time to understand your unique sleep patterns, lifestyle, and health history. Based on this thorough assessment, we create a personalized plan that targets the root causes of your sleeping problem. Our tailored approach ensures that you receive treatment that is effective, efficient, and suited to your individual situation.
Holistic Healing Approach
Our care plan adopts a holistic approach to therapy. It integrates traditional psychological techniques with a strong emphasis on overall wellness, including physical, emotional, and spiritual health.
We are committed to using evidence-based practices, drawing on the latest research and clinical insights to inform our therapeutic methods. Our holistic approach ensures that you receive the most effective and comprehensive treatment tailored to your individual needs.
What our Client's Say
Adam and Cam Wells2024-05-30We recently had the pleasure of having sessions for our child with Dr. Gorog for help with anxiety and behavioral development, and I couldn't be more pleased with the results. Dr. Gorog is truly exceptional in her approach, skillfully addressing both the psychological and somatic aspects of anxiety. Her comprehensive method ensures that every facet of one's well-being is considered, not just the mental or emotional symptoms. From the very first session, Dr. Gorog made my kiddo feel understood and at ease. She has a remarkable ability to identify the physical and somatic manifestations of anxiety and provides practical strategies to alleviate these symptoms. Her holistic approach has helped ALL of us gain a deeper understanding of how the body and mind are interconnected, which has been incredibly empowering. Dr. Gorog's expertise in treating anxiety is evident in the personalized care she offers. She tailors her sessions to the patient's unique needs, and ensures that our child always feel supported and heard. With her guidance, our child has learned effective techniques to manage anxiety, and we as the parents have learned a great deal more about how to support their journey. I highly recommend Dr. Gorog to anyone struggling with anxiety, especially if you're looking for a provider who addresses both the mental and somatic dimensions of this condition. Her compassionate care and comprehensive treatment approach have made a significant difference in our family and our kiddo.
Linden Brooks2024-03-20Dr.Gorog is the best therapist I've ever seen. After struggling with my mental health for years and trying multiple therapist and approaches I was losing hope....until I walked into Dr.Gorogs office. She creates an environment of safety allowing you to be truly vulnerable, for me I was able to go deeper then ever before. This environment and trust allows her to guide patients in restructuring the meaning assigned to external factors and exploring how past events and traumas have wired our brains, which for me was a large cause of my mental distress. She helped me reframe my anxiety and view it in a positive light, an emotion/stimulus I no longer fight but embrace and explore with curiosity. Through our time, I've done some exploration of my mental health outside of traditional practices, she was supportive, encouraging, and provided valuable advice on how to approach a new therapy modality, which was solely effective because of the work we had previously done. Furthermore, she was important in the integration of the experience and holding me accountable to the discoveries. I would recommend Dr.Gorog to any and everyone whose looking to develop a deeper understanding of themselves and their emotions, overcome and cope with deep trauma, navigate a large life event, or simply improve your life to lessen your symptoms and be more fulfilled.
Gabe Casher2023-08-10As a fellow therapist, I highly recommend Dr. Gorog for psychotherapy services. She has a warm and down-to-earth presence, and uses an evidence-based, no nonsense approach with her clients. She is direct and gentle at the same time, which leads to great outcomes for clients. With Dr. Gorog, you are in good hands!
Efrain Lemus2022-04-12Best psychotherapy in Denver, I was having hard problems with anxiety and she gave me the tools to fight the anxiety and keep it controlled. Dr. Lauren I’ll definitely come back to you in the future when I feel the anxiety is getting out of control again.
Terrel Davis2021-07-07Dr. Gorog is a well-qualified and compassionate therapist, who provides a safe environment for self-growth and healing. Without hesitation, I recommend her highly to friends and family.
Amber “Amber B Shells”2020-12-19My experience with Dr. Gorog was extremely insightful. I have learned skills and knowledge that cause me to feel calmer, more secure in myself and gave me a deeper understanding to myself on a deeper level. I tend to be a sensitive person due to trauma and with my session with Dr. Gorog I gained a higher level of consciousness and was able to see how things effect my nervous system and heart rate. My session gave me the understanding of how things that appear as normal daily occurrence like my phone ringing effected my physiological make up and took me out of the present moment. Amber B. Shells
Marc Allan (Marc_Allen)2020-02-15I have made great progress with my anxiety and depression with Dr. Gorog’s help. Dr. Gorog is passionate about helping others and is one of the most compassionate people I’ve met. She has helped me look at life and myself in thoughtful and positive ways. I highly recommend Dr. Gorog.
Gorog Healh
In The News
Denver based Clinical Health Psychologist, Dr. Lauren Gorog, appears on the Kathie J Show from KCDO Local3 & Denver7 to speak about sleepwalking, night terrors, night terrors vs nightmares, and child sleepwalking vs adult sleepwalking.
Watch this interview of Dr. Gorog on the Kathie J show on Local3 Denver’s Hometown Station where they discuss all things insomnia, CBT-I (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia), and what insomnia treatment and help with sleep looks like in my practice.
Watch this interview of Dr. Gorog on the Kathie J show on Local3 Denver’s Hometown Station where they discuss all things insomnia, CBT-I (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia), and what insomnia treatment and help with sleep looks like in my practice. Click here to go to the article.
Contact
Get Help From One of Our Sleep Therapists Today
At Gorog Health, we are dedicated to helping you overcome sleeping issues and achieve restful sleep with compassionate, individualized care. We offer a safe and supportive space for healing because we genuinely care about your well-being and are committed to helping you achieve the life you desire.
Our holistic approach addresses not only your sleep challenges but also other psychological factors, such as spiritual, relational, or emotional stress, that may be impacting your sleep.
If you’re seeking a well-rounded approach to insomnia treatment, reach out to Gorog Health to arrange a consultation. During this initial meeting, we’ll discuss how the condition is affecting your daily life and what you aim to accomplish with treatment. Together, we can develop a personalized plan to help you get better sleep.
Mental Health Therapy for Sleep Deprivation FAQ
Our initial evaluation aims to improve all aspects of your sleep and daytime performance. Our sleep intake process involves a detailed clinical interview to assess your sleep history, medical history, psychiatric history, and substance use history. This will help us determine if you’re a good candidate for CBT-I treatment.
We’ll also use self-administered questionnaires, at-home sleep logs, symptom checklists, psychological screening tests, and bed partner interviews to accurately diagnose your condition. If we suspect an organic sleep disorder, we may refer you for a sleep study.
We can determine the nature of your sleep disorder through a comprehensive evaluation that includes a detailed clinical interview and various assessment tools like self-administered questionnaires and sleep logs. If necessary, we’ll provide a referral for a sleep study to rule out any underlying medical conditions.
Sleep deprivation occurs when you don’t get enough sleep and it affects your physical and mental health. It can be treated by improving sleep hygiene, such as maintaining a regular sleep schedule, creating a comfortable sleep environment, and avoiding stimulants like caffeine before bedtime. If these changes don’t help, treatments such as CBT-I, may be necessary.
Common sleep disorders include insomnia (difficulty falling or staying asleep), sleep apnea (breathing interruptions during sleep), restless legs syndrome (uncomfortable leg sensations at night), narcolepsy (excessive daytime sleepiness), and circadian rhythm disorders (misalignment of sleep-wake patterns).
Sleep is crucial for cognitive functioning as it supports memory consolidation, problem-solving, and decision-making. Chronic sleep deprivation impairs these cognitive processes of creativity and learning.
Sleep hygiene tips include maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, creating a relaxing bedtime routine, keeping your bedroom dark and cool, avoiding screens before bed, and limiting caffeine and heavy meals in the evening.
Sleep therapy offers several benefits, such as improved sleep quality, reduced daytime sleepiness, better mental and physical health, and increased productivity.
To schedule an appointment with Gorog Health, reach out to our team to arrange an initial consultation with Dr. Lauren Gorog. During this meeting, you will discuss your goals, challenges, and expectations. Dr. Gorog will use this information to create a personalized plan tailored to your unique needs.
