You’ve Tried Everything for Your Insomnia. Now Try What Actually Works.
- Leah Corkum
- Apr 10
- 3 min read

Let’s talk about something that might be a little too familiar: lying awake at 2 a.m., staring at the ceiling, calculating how many hours of sleep you’ll get if you fall asleep right now. Again. If this sounds like you, you’re far from alone—and we’re glad you’re here.
Because there is a solution. It’s science-backed, drug-free, and has been proven more effective than sleeping pills. It’s called CBT-I, and it might just be your insomnia’s worst nightmare (in the best way).
First Things First: What Is Chronic Insomnia?
Insomnia isn’t just a bad night here and there. Chronic insomnia means you’re struggling to fall asleep, stay asleep, or get back to sleep at least 3 nights a week for 3 months or more, and it’s impacting your mood, focus, or energy during the day.
Many people with insomnia feel like they’ve “tried everything”—herbal teas, meditation apps, magnesium, melatonin, sleep sprays, no screens after 9 p.m., even cutting out caffeine (gasp!). And still, sleep stays elusive.
That’s where CBT-I comes in.
Meet CBT-I: The Gold Standard for Insomnia Treatment
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) isn’t just another tip or trick—it’s the most effective long-term treatment for chronic insomnia. It’s recommended as the first-line treatment by sleep specialists, physicians, and major health organizations worldwide.
Unlike sleep medication, CBT-I works by addressing the root causes of insomnia: the thoughts, behaviors, and biological patterns that keep you stuck in the cycle of sleeplessness.
It’s natural. It’s structured. And it works.
So… How Does CBT-I Work?
CBT-I helps you retrain your brain and body for sleep. Here’s how:
🧠 Cognitive restructuring: You learn to challenge the unhelpful thoughts that fuel anxiety and frustration around sleep.
🛏️ Stimulus control: You rewire the connection between your bed and sleep, not tossing and turning.
⏰ Sleep scheduling: You build a strong sleep drive and improve your body clock—hello, circadian rhythm!
🧘 Relaxation strategies: You calm your nervous system and reduce that overactive “wakefulness mode.”
🌙 Sleep hygiene + environment tweaks: Yes, light, noise, food, and lifestyle all play a role—but not in the oversimplified “just turn off your phone” way you’ve heard a hundred times.
Try This: A CBT-I Exercise You Can Do Right Now
Let’s start with one of the most powerful CBT-I tools: challenging negative sleep thoughts.
Here’s how it works:
Negative Sleep Thought | Realistic Sleep Thought |
“If I don’t sleep 8 hours, I’ll be a wreck.” | “I’ve had rough nights before and still got through the day. One bad night won’t break me.” |
“I’ll never fall asleep.” | “Sleep will come eventually, especially if I don’t fight it.” |
“I’ve tried everything. Nothing works for me.” | “I haven’t tried CBT-I yet—and it’s clinically proven to help.” |
Notice the shift? It’s about reducing the fear and pressure around sleep. Your thoughts matter. And CBT-I gives you the tools to reshape them.
Meet Your Sleep Coaches: Marlee & Leah
At Sleep Works, we’ve helped hundreds of people just like you finally get the rest they deserve. Our expert sleep therapists, Marlee and Leah, support clients in improving both the quality and quantity of their sleep.
They’re not here to judge. They’re here to support you with warmth, expertise, and a plan that actually works.
How to Get Started (Even If You’re Not Sure Yet)
Whether you’re ready to dive into CBT-I or just curious, we’ve got options:
🌙 Online Self-Guided CBT-I Course – Work through the full CBT-I program at your own pace, on your schedule.
🌙 Small Group Programs – Learn alongside others, with live guidance from our therapists. (Eligible for private Canadian health insurance coverage - inquire for details)
🌙 1:1 Private CBT-I Therapy – Get personalized support tailored to your sleep patterns and lifestyle.
✨ FREE 15-Minute Consultations – Chat with Marlee or Leah to find out if CBT-I is right for you. No pressure. Just clarity.
The Bottom Line
You don’t have to live in survival mode. You don’t have to accept that this is “just the way it is.” CBT-I can help you sleep better—for life. And we’re here to walk with you every step of the way.
Let’s rewrite your sleep story, one night at a time. You can reach us at hello@sleep-works.com.
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