Insomnia Group Session Outline
Pre-Group
Individual Psychological
Evaluation,
a. assign sleep diary, to be kept until first group session
Session 1
Introduction
of group members & their sleep issues
Review of
Course Outline, Strategies and Goals
1. each member to define
personal sleep goal(s)
Presentation:
1. Introduction
to Sleep Architecture
2. Benefits of
Sleep Log—building block for future interventions
3. Addressing
Sleep medications
Skill Training:
Developing a Sleep Log (convert diary)
Presentation:
1. Relaxation Therapies
2. Anxiety—Description,
Interaction with Sleep, Anxiety Management
Skill Training:
Breathing Retraining
Homework:
1. Sleep log
2. Breathing
Practice
Session 2
Review Homework:
1. Sleep Logs—practical technique questions
2. Breathing
Practice
Presentation:
1. Sleep Hygiene Tips
2. Sleep Myths
3. Interpreting Sleep Logs
Skill Training:
Guided Imagery (tape)
Group Discussion
Homework:
1. Sleep log
2. Breathing
Practice (optional)
3. Guided Imagery
4. Pick 2+ Sleep
Hygiene Tips and Implement
Session 3
Review Homework:
1. Sleep Logs—technique questions, findings re: specific
sleep problems
2. Guided Imagery
3. Sleep Hygiene
Tips
Presentation:
1. Stimulus Control
2. Sleep Restriction
Skill Training:
1. Sleep Restriction
2. Progressive
Muscle Relaxation (tape)
Group Discussion
Homework:
1. Sleep log
2. Progressive
Muscle Relaxation
3. Breathing
Practice (optional)
4. Guided Imagery
(optional)
5. Pick 2+ Sleep
Hygiene Tips and Implement (same 2 OK if working; if not, pick 2 more
Session 4
Review Homework:
1. Sleep Logs— findings re: specific sleep problems
2. Progressive Muscle Relaxation
3. Sleep Hygiene
Tips
Presentation:
1. Cognitve Therapy
Theory
Skill Training:
Cognitve Therapy Techniques
1. Cognitive Reframing
2. Worry Schedule
3. Distraction Lists
4. Thought Stopping
Group Discussion
Homework:
1. Sleep log
2. a. Worry Schedulem
Distraction Lists and Thought Stopping or
b. Cognitive Therapy Diary
3.Continue previous
homework strategies that work
Session 5
Review Homework:
1. Sleep Logs— findings re: specific sleep problems
2. Cognitive Therapy Diary, Worry Schedule,
Distraction Lists, Thought Stopping
Presentation:
Circadian Rhythm Entrainment
Skill Training:
1. Demonstration of Use of Light Box
2. Other Relaxation Strategies—yoga, exercise, music, etc.
Group Discussion
Homework:
1. Sleep log
2. Use Circadian
Rhythm Entrainment if indicated
3. Identify continuing
sleep problems, theorized causes and possible solutions
4. Continue previous
homework strategies that work
Session 6: Review Session/Conclusions
Review Homework:
1. Sleep Logs-- findings re: specific sleep problems
2. Any questions
on any techniques covered to date
Skills Training:
Continuing Sleep Issues/Problem-solving
Group Discussion
Graduation!
