Sleep - A Problem Behind Addiction

Hello everyone! Welcome to the first installment of my blog, where I’ll be sharing insights on my project focused on “Enhancing Addiction Rehabilitation through Integrated Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia”. I am so excited to be embarking on this research and eager to see where it leads.

The backdrop for our project is the Veterans Affairs Hospital in Palo Alto, where I had the privilege of interning two summers ago. During my time there, I witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by veterans in the residential addiction rehabilitation program. Beyond the complexities of addiction, many grapple with co-occurring conditions such as PTSD, schizophrenia, and dementia, adding layers of difficulty to their recovery journey. You would think their battles would be done after coming back from deployment. 

One pervasive issue I observed was the profound impact of substance abuse on sleep quality. It’s disheartening to note that up to 70% of individuals in addiction treatment programs report chronic sleep issues.  So I wanted to come up with the best, most feasible way I could make this grueling journey toward sobriety any easier. Sleep disturbances not only exacerbate the physical and mental toll of addiction but also hinder the effectiveness of rehabilitation efforts. By integrating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) into existing treatment plans, I want to understand how personalized interventions impact sleep quality and overall rehabilitation outcomes among veterans undergoing addiction recovery.

This past week, I met with Dr. Sophie Yorkwilliams, a sleep expert who I will be collaborating with throughout the course of the project. I reviewed the therapist’s guide to insomnia and studied one of the VA’s mobile apps – Insomnia Coach – for veteran use while undergoing CBT-i. Stay tuned for updates as I collaborate with more healthcare professionals and navigate the intersection of technology with this field.