What is the primary goal of sleep restriction therapy?

The primary goal of sleep restriction therapy is to match time in bed with actual sleep time. This approach is based on the understanding that many individuals with insomnia often spend excessive time in bed awake, which can reinforce feelings of anxiety about sleep and perpetuate insomnia. By restricting the amount of time spent in bed to more closely align with the actual amount of sleep the individual is getting, the therapy encourages a more consolidated sleep pattern and improves sleep efficiency.

This process ultimately aims to enhance the drive for sleep and can help to reduce the frustration and anxiety associated with lying awake, thereby leading to better overall sleep quality. Through this method, patients gradually extend their time in bed as their sleep improves, creating a healthier sleep routine. Thus, the focus is on promoting quality of sleep rather than simply increasing time spent in bed.