02/18/2026
Insomnia & Mental Health: Myth vs. Fact
Sleep and mental health are closely connected — and misinformation can keep people stuck longer than necessary.
Myth #1: Insomnia is just a bad habit.
Fact: Chronic insomnia is a clinical sleep disorder involving dysregulation of the stress response and sleep-wake system. It is not simply a matter of “trying harder” to sleep.
Myth #2: Depression and anxiety cause insomnia — but insomnia doesn’t cause mental health problems.
Fact: The relationship is bidirectional. Depression and anxiety commonly disrupt sleep. However, persistent insomnia also increases the risk of developing or worsening depression and anxiety symptoms.
Myth #3: If I’m exhausted enough, I’ll eventually sleep.
Fact: Insomnia often involves physiological hyperarousal. The body can feel fatigued while the nervous system remains activated.
Myth #4: Medication is the only effective treatment.
Fact: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) is considered a first-line, evidence-based treatment with strong long-term outcomes.
If you are experiencing ongoing sleep disruption, irritability, low mood, or increased worry, it may be time to address both sleep and mental health together.
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