CBT-I: Helping Young Minds Sleep Stronger, Live Brighter

May 16

What Is CBT-I and Why Does It Matter?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) is the gold standard, evidence-based treatment for chronic insomnia, and it works without medication.—recommended by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) as the first-line approach for adults and youth alike[^1].

At SHIELD Psychiatry, we understand that sleep is not a luxury. It’s a foundation for emotional resilience, academic success, and mental health. Unfortunately, sleep problems are on the rise in children, teens, and young adults—especially with screen time, academic pressure, and anxiety on the rise. CBT-I offers a structured, non-drug solution that gets to the root of the sleep structure.

Who Can Benefit?

CBT-I is effective for:
Children ages 5–12 with bedtime resistance or night wakings
Teens ages 13–17 struggling with school stress or social anxiety
Young adults ages 18–25 experiencing racing thoughts or sleep phase shifts
According to the NIH, chronic insomnia can impair learning, mood, immune function, and long-term health if untreated[^2].

Whether it’s trouble falling asleep, waking too early, or not feeling rested—CBT-I can help retrain the brain and restore restorative sleep.

How Does CBT-I Work?

CBT-I focuses on five pillars of behavioral change:

1. Sleep Hygiene

We coach patients and families on how to create brain-friendly routines—limiting screens, stabilizing bedtimes, reducing caffeine, and calming the nervous system[^3].

2. Stimulus Control

Your brain must learn that the bed is for sleep—not homework, TikTok scrolling, or stress. We teach kids and teens how to reset these associations.

3. Sleep Restriction

By temporarily limiting the time spent in bed, we help reset the body’s internal clock and reduce frustration with “tossing and turning.”

4. Cognitive Restructuring

We challenge unhelpful thoughts like “I’ll never sleep!” or “If I don’t get 8 hours, I’ll fail my test.” Instead, we build empowering beliefs and calming self-talk.

5. Relaxation Training

Breathing techniques, mindfulness, and guided visualizations can support the transition from stress to sleep.
Culturally-Inclusive, Developmentally-Tailored Care

At SHIELD Psychiatry, our CBT-I protocols are designed specifically for:

Black and Brown families who may not see their children’s sleep struggles validated
Neurodivergent youth, including those with ADHD or Autism, who often experience insomnia
Faith-based families, where sleep routines can be integrated with evening reflection or prayer

We meet patients where they are—with compassion, skill, and cultural humility.

What to Expect from CBT-I at SHIELD Psychiatry

Evaluation: Sleep history, screeners, and optional collaboration with schools or pediatricians
Telehealth Sessions: 4–8 sessions depending on age and complexity
Tools: Custom sleep logs, bedtime routines, digital tracking apps
Family Support: Parent coaching and sleep hygiene plans for the whole household
Optional Group Therapy: For adolescents and college students who want peer support

Sleep Is Not a Luxury—It’s a Lifeline

As part of our mission to Protect Young Minds and Empower Futures, CBT-I is one of the most powerful tools we use to unlock healing.

When a child or teen starts sleeping better, their mood lifts, focus returns, and hope is restored.

Schedule a Sleep Evaluation Today!

If your child or teen struggles with sleep, don’t wait.

Call or Text: (813) 592-7228

Visit: www.shieldpsychiatry.com

Let us help your family rest, heal, and rise.

Source

[^1]: American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I). https://aasm.org/clinical-resources/cbt-for-insomnia

[^2]: National Institutes of Health. What Is Insomnia? https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/insomnia

[^3]: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Children’s Sleep Guidelines. https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/about_sleep/children.html

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SHIELD Psychiatry PLLC

SHIELD Psychiatry PLLC is a culturally responsive, concierge-level telepsychiatry practice serving children, adolescents, and young adults (ages 5–25) across Florida. Founded by Dr. Marie Akers, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC, PPCNP-BC, PMHS, the practice provides comprehensive, evidence-based psychiatric evaluations and treatment for ADHD, anxiety, depression, OCD, autism, sleep disorders, and executive functioning challenges. Services include medication management, CBT, CBT-I for insomnia, psychotherapy, healthcare transition planning, and parent coaching—delivered through a flexible, HIPAA-compliant telehealth platform.

SHIELD Psychiatry is committed to closing the mental healthcare gap for underserved and minority communities through compassionate, expert-led care. We specialize in guiding college students and neurodivergent youth through life transitions with rapid access and customized support.

Dr. Marie Akers is a triple board-certified nurse practitioner in psychiatry and pediatric primary care with over 20 years of experience in neurology and behavioral health. As a respected educator, clinician, and mental health advocate, she leads SHIELD Psychiatry with a mission to protect young minds, empower futures, and ensure every family has access to culturally competent, high-quality care.

https://ShieldPsychiatry.org