Dr Frank Cahill, clinical psychologist and insomnia specialist, joins fx Medicine by BioCeuticals ambassador and psychologist Dr Adrian Lopresti to explore the understanding and treatment of insomnia. Nearly half of Australian adults report sleep issues, with a rise in cases observed at Frank’s practice during the pandemic.

Drawing on his extensive experience, Frank explains homeostatic sleep drive (sleep pressure) and how identifying and adjusting sleep habits can help realign sleep patterns. Frank and Adrian discuss common causes of acute and chronic insomnia and outline tailored treatment approaches. In a live assessment, Frank analyses Adrian's sleep patterns, illustrating the role of sleep drive in overall rest quality.

Gain insights into cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) techniques, including sleep hygiene, relaxation therapy, stimulus control, and restriction therapy, along with tools like sleep diaries, distractions, and medication. The discussion also covers melatonin testing and treatment, with Frank sharing his approach to timing and dosing for circadian rhythm disorders.

COVERED IN THIS EPISODE

(00:56) Welcoming Dr Frank Cahill

(01:31) The prevalence of insomnia in Australia

(03:26) Stress as a major contributor

(05:13) Long-term vs acute insomnia

(10:18) Three types of insomnia

(12:08) The different effects of anxiety versus frustration on sleep

(14:38) Treating early morning waking

(18:13) Calming the busy mind

(20:02) Sleep hygiene is not effective for insomnia

(21:33) Sleep restriction therapy and increasing sleep drive

(25:38) Reduce sleep effort by focusing on rest

(28:08) Utilising sleep diaries and the DAAS questionnaire

(32:58) Is there value in functional testing for melatonin and cortisol?

(37:41) Recommendations around food, caffeine, and sleep

(40:12) Exercise and sleep

(40:57) Can natural health practitioners treat sleep?

(43:09) Melatonin: less is more

(45:10) Herbal remedies and supplements

(46:54) Thanking Frank and final remarks

Find today's transcript and show notes here: https://www.bioceuticals.com.au/education/podcasts/insomnia-beyond-sleep-hygiene-with-dr-adrian-lopresti-dr-frank-cahill

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