Cognitive behavior therapy for insomnia in adults

Insomnia is a common phenomenon and frequently reported in majority of mental illness conditions. Insomnia can be an independent phenomenon; however, recent researches indicate a wider perspective of insomnia considering high prevalence of concurrent or comorbid mental disorders in insomnia and certain studies indicating insomnia as precursor to some mental illness conditions. Nonpharmacological interventions for insomnia have gradually gained popularity in recent decade. Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) in insomnia has good evidence base considering its simplistic framework and nil risk of dependence or resistance as in use of hypnotics. CBT-I has its own challenges when practiced in nonwestern cultures. The chapter gives an overview of insomnia and its management with CBT. The chapter gives perspective on issues and challenges of practicing CBT for insomnia in Indian context with help of three case studies. Culture-specific adaptations for undertaking clients with insomnia are suggested.