Evidence‑Based Behavioral Sleep Medicine

Sleep problems are common—and highly treatable. Dr. Pratt provides specialized behavioral sleep therapy, including CBT‑I and related approaches, to help you fall asleep faster, sleep more deeply, and wake feeling restored. Care is available in Calgary and via secure telepsychology across Alberta.

Comprehensive Sleep Therapy Services

01

Insomnia & Sleep Maintenance

Primary treatment: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT‑I)

  • Chronic insomnia disorder
  • Difficulty falling or staying asleep
  • Non‑restorative or poor‑quality sleep
  • Sleep restriction & stimulus control therapy
  • Relaxation training & mindfulness techniques

CBT‑I is the gold‑standard, first‑line treatment for chronic insomnia recommended by sleep specialists and medical associations worldwide.

See how CBT-I treatment works ↓
02

Circadian Rhythm & Sleep Scheduling

Primary treatment: Behavioral and lifestyle modification

  • Shift work sleep disorder
  • Jet lag adjustment
  • Delayed or advanced sleep phase syndrome
  • Irregular sleep‑wake patterns
  • Sleep hygiene optimization

We help align your sleep schedule with your body's natural circadian rhythm for consistent, restorative rest that fits your lifestyle.

Learn about Circadian Rhythm Treatment →
03

Sleep‑Related Anxiety & Stress

Primary treatment: Cognitive restructuring & mindfulness

  • Anxiety around falling asleep
  • Performance anxiety and sleep pressure
  • Racing thoughts before bed
  • Stress‑induced insomnia
  • Sleep anticipation anxiety

Addressing the thoughts and emotions that keep you awake through evidence-based cognitive and behavioral strategies.

Learn about Sleep Anxiety Treatment →
04

Nightmares & Parasomnias

Primary treatment: Image Rehearsal Therapy (IRT) & CBT for Nightmares (CBT‑N)

  • Nightmare disorder
  • Trauma-related nightmares
  • Sleepwalking and night terrors
  • Vivid dream enactment

Evidence‑based behavioral therapy to reduce frequency and distress from nightmares and parasomnias with proven techniques.

Learn about Nightmare Treatment with CBT-N →
05

Movement‑Related Sleep Disorders

Primary treatment: Behavioral management & specialist referral coordination

  • Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)
  • Periodic Limb Movement Disorder (PLMD)

Comprehensive assessment and behavioral strategies for movement‑related sleep disturbances, with medical referral when needed.

Contact us about Movement Disorder Treatment →
06

Comorbid Conditions & Integrated Care

Primary treatment: Combined cognitive‑behavioral and lifestyle interventions

  • Depression, anxiety, or ADHD with insomnia
  • Chronic pain affecting sleep
  • Medical conditions impacting sleep quality
  • Collaborative healthcare provider coordination

Integrated approach combining mental health expertise and sleep science for comprehensive well‑being and lasting results.

Contact us about Integrated Care →

CBT-I: Insomnia Treatment in Calgary & Across Alberta

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT‑I) is the first-line treatment for chronic insomnia recommended by sleep medicine experts worldwide. Unlike sleeping pills, which mask the problem, CBT‑I targets the thoughts, behaviours and habits that keep insomnia going — so the results last.

Is CBT-I right for you?

  • It takes you more than 30 minutes to fall asleep
  • You wake several times a night, or too early and can't get back to sleep
  • You feel tired despite spending 8+ hours in bed
  • Racing thoughts start when your head hits the pillow
  • You worry about whether you'll sleep tonight
  • Sleep problems have lasted more than a month, or you rely on sleep aids

You're not alone, and there is a solution.

Why CBT-I works

  • 70–80% of people see significant improvement
  • Results last for years, not just weeks
  • No side effects or dependency risk
  • Effective for comorbid insomnia alongside anxiety, depression, trauma and chronic pain

Dr. Pratt is the only CBT‑I practitioner in Calgary referred by the Canadian Sleep Research Consortium, with advanced CBT‑I training from leading sleep medicine institutes.

What CBT-I includes

Sleep Restriction

Temporarily matching your time in bed to the sleep you actually get, which rebuilds your natural sleep drive and consolidates sleep.

Stimulus Control

Retraining your brain to link your bed with sleep — not with lying awake, worrying or scrolling.

Cognitive Restructuring

Challenging the anxious, catastrophic thoughts about sleep that keep you alert at night.

Relaxation & Sleep Education

Muscle relaxation, breathing and mindfulness for pre-sleep tension, plus a clear understanding of how sleep works.

Your 6–8 week CBT-I plan

  1. Weeks 1–2: Sleep assessment & restriction

    We review your sleep history, health and sleep diary, then begin sleep restriction to kickstart your sleep drive.

    What you'll notice: some initial tiredness, followed by deeper, more consolidated sleep.

  2. Weeks 3–4: Stimulus control & cognitive work

    You'll learn stimulus control techniques and how to challenge the thoughts that keep you awake.

    What you'll notice: falling asleep faster, with less bedtime anxiety.

  3. Weeks 5–6: Sleep expansion & relaxation

    As sleep efficiency improves, we gradually widen your sleep window and practise relaxation skills designed for sleep.

    What you'll notice: longer, more restorative sleep with fewer awakenings.

  4. Weeks 7–8: Maintenance & relapse prevention

    We lock in your progress and plan for future disruptions so a bad night doesn't turn back into chronic insomnia.

    What you'll notice: confidence that you can keep sleeping well on your own.

Sleep in Calgary: seasons, shifts and light

Calgary's long winters and short daylight hours can shift your body clock, and many Calgarians in healthcare, emergency services and industry work non-traditional hours. CBT‑I is adapted to these realities — including light exposure timing and schedule adjustments — and pairs with circadian rhythm therapy when your sleep timing is the core problem.

Common questions about CBT-I

How is CBT-I different from "good sleep hygiene"?

Sleep hygiene helps, but CBT‑I is a structured therapy that systematically retrains your sleep-wake system using techniques like sleep restriction and stimulus control that aren't part of general sleep advice.

Will I be tired during treatment?

You may feel some temporary fatigue in the first 1–2 weeks as sleep is consolidated. This is expected, and it helps rebuild your natural sleep drive for better long-term results.

What if I've tried everything and nothing works?

CBT‑I is designed for people who haven't found success elsewhere. It's the most rigorously tested insomnia treatment available, with success rates of 70–80% even for long-standing insomnia.

How long do the results last?

Studies show CBT‑I results are maintained for years. Unlike sleeping pills, you're learning skills that become part of your natural sleep routine.

6–8 sessions over about 8 weeks · Calgary office or secure video anywhere in Alberta · Most extended health plans cover psychological services

Book / Self-Refer

What Working Together Looks Like

Treatment is structured, collaborative, and goal‑focused. Most insomnia cases show significant improvement within 6–8 weeks using evidence-based CBT‑I protocols. For circadian rhythm disorders or complex comorbid presentations, we'll tailor the treatment plan to your specific needs and coordinate referrals when a medical workup is indicated.

Each session builds on the previous one, with regular progress monitoring and adjustments to ensure you're getting the most effective care. You'll receive practical tools and strategies you can implement immediately, along with ongoing support as you develop healthier sleep patterns.

Format: Virtual telehealth sessions across Alberta
Coverage: Most extended health insurance plans accepted
Getting started: Initial comprehensive assessment and personalized treatment plan

Why Choose Behavioral Sleep Medicine?

Evidence-Based Effectiveness

Behavioral sleep interventions, particularly CBT-I, are recommended as first-line treatment by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and have lasting results without medication dependency.

Long-Term Solutions

Unlike sleep medications, behavioral therapy addresses the root causes of sleep problems, providing skills and strategies that continue to benefit you long after treatment ends.

Personalized Approach

Every treatment plan is tailored to your unique sleep challenges, lifestyle, and goals, ensuring the most effective and sustainable outcomes.

Holistic Integration

We consider how sleep interacts with your mental health, physical health, and daily functioning to provide comprehensive, integrated care.

Get started with a consultation today.

Taking the first step towards mental wellness is a courageous and transformative decision that begins with a simple, confidential consultation. Our compassionate intake process is designed to create a supportive, non-judgmental environment where you can share your concerns, explore your goals, and determine the most effective path forward for your unique psychological needs.

Let's Work Together