CBT-I Education8 min readBy Qumfy Sleep Team
CBT-I vs Sleeping Pills: Which Is Better?
Compare CBT-I therapy to sleep medications. Learn why cognitive behavioral therapy provides lasting results without the risks of sleeping pills.
The Fundamental Difference
Sleeping pills treat the symptom (difficulty sleeping) while CBT-I addresses the root causes. Medications work immediately but stop working when you stop taking them. CBT-I requires effort upfront but creates lasting changes.
Effectiveness Comparison
CBT-I
- ✓ 70-80% success rate
- ✓ Results last years after treatment
- ✓ Improves sleep quality & duration
- ✓ No side effects or dependence
- ✓ Addresses root causes
Sleeping Pills
- ✓ Works immediately
- ✗ Tolerance develops quickly
- ✗ Dependence & withdrawal risks
- ✗ Side effects (grogginess, memory issues)
- ✗ Insomnia returns when stopped
When Medications Make Sense
Short-term use of sleep medications can be appropriate for:
- Acute insomnia from jet lag or life stress (use for 1-2 weeks maximum)
- As a bridge while starting CBT-I, then tapering off
- Emergency situations where sleep is critical short-term
The American College of Physicians recommends CBT-I as first-line treatment, before medication.
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