The following information may help clinicians when treating emergency workers

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If an individual is reporting sleep disturbances that do not settle within a week or two

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If nightmares routinely interrupt sleep

Quick tips


Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Insomnia – targets problematic cognitions and behaviours, and incorporates a number of different techniques including the following:

  • education about healthy sleep habits
  • stimulus control strategies
  • sleep restriction techniques
  • cognitive therapy
  • relaxation techniques

Imagery Rehearsal Therapy – directly targets posttraumatic nightmares.


Do you know how to


Assess the current state of an individual’s sleep disturbances?


Instruct client/patients in the use of a sleep monitoring chart?


Provide psychoeducation on sleep needs and good sleep habits?


Implement CBT-Insomnia?


Implement Imagery Rehearsal Therapy?


Relevant Resources

NEED URGENT HELP?

For urgent support
call Lifeline on

Call 13 11 14

Confidential 24/7
counselling and referrals

Lifeline website