What is behavioral sleep medicine (BSM)?

Behavioral sleep medicine (BSM) is a subspecialty within the field of sleep medicine which focuses on how thoughts, behaviors, and emotions cause or maintain problems with sleep.
 
Our practice includes one of the few comprehensive behavioral sleep medicine programs in the country.  Treatment services are provided by licensed clinical psychologists trained and board certified in behavioral sleep medicine.  Treatment services are available to all age groups, from 6 months through older adulthood.
 
The BSM program offers research supported, non-pharmacological treatments for sleep disorders including: 

  • Insomnia (Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep)
  • Nightmares
  • Night Eating
  • CPAP Adherence
  • Sleep or Nighttime Related Fears/Anxiety
  • Circadian Rhythm Disorders (Shift work disorder, delayed sleep phase syndrome)
  • Pediatric Insomnias
Our focus is always on sleep-related positive outcomes – e.g. falling asleep faster, decreasing nighttime awakenings, reducing frequency of nightmares, increasing sleep time or reducing dependence on sleep medications.

Treatment begins with an initial evaluation, and usually spans several appointments – on average between three and six visits.  Initial evaluations are 45 – 60 minutes.  Follow up visits are between 30 and 45 minutes.