[Good Brain 2024] Professor Lee Yujin "Combine Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Rather Than Relying on Sleeping Pills"

"Body and Mind Recharge Are the Functions of Sleep"
"Spend Awake Time Well to Sleep Well"

"The key to treating insomnia is cognitive behavioral therapy and correcting sleep habits. However, due to limited accessibility, digital therapeutics utilizing applications (apps) are also being developed."

Lee Yujin, Director of the Sleep Medicine Center at Seoul National University Hospital, is giving a lecture on the topic of "Sleep for Brain Health" at the "2024 Good Brain Conference" hosted by Asia Economy, held on the 11th at the Diamond Hall of The Plaza Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul. Photo by Kang Jinhyung aymsdream@

Yoo Jin Lee, Director of the Sleep Medicine Center at Seoul National University Hospital, explained the treatment of sleep disorders and healthy sleep habits in a lecture titled "Sleep for Brain Health" at the '2024 Good Brain Conference' hosted by Asia Economy on the 11th.

The director stated, "Sleeping pills are effective for acute insomnia, but long-term use can cause side effects," adding, "It is essential to use the minimum dose for the shortest period while simultaneously undergoing cognitive behavioral therapy and adopting healthy sleep habits."

Long-term use of sleeping pills can cause side effects such as ▲dependence and abuse ▲morning hangover ▲dizziness and headaches ▲psychomotor impairment and memory loss ▲reduction of deep sleep ▲respiratory depression and worsening of sleep apnea ▲rebound insomnia ▲delirium ▲abnormal behaviors during sleep.

However, concerns that taking sleeping pills may cause dementia have not yet been verified. The director explained, "Several studies have reported associations, but it is not yet certain," and added, "Symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and insomnia can be prodromal signs of dementia, which may have led to such results."

Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia is a treatment that lowers physiological arousal levels and corrects incorrect beliefs and attitudes about sleep. The director said, "Typically, patients visit the hospital once a week, stay for 1 to 2 hours, discuss their sleep diaries with the therapist, and receive prescriptions regarding time spent lying down," adding, "The most important mechanism is reducing the time spent lying in bed without sleeping."

He also suggested ways to develop healthy sleep habits. He said, "Avoid naps, avoid stimulating activities and thoughts close to bedtime, and control noise and light in the bedroom," adding, "Refraining from overeating and excessive drinking and taking a warm bath two hours before sleep can also help." He further added, "When correcting sleep habits, focusing on one or two habits at a time is helpful."

He emphasized that spending awake time well is the way to sleep well. Professor Lee stressed, "Insomnia patients mainly focus on trying to sleep well. However, awake time and sleep time are closely connected," and added, "Waking up early, maintaining a regular lifestyle, and exercising to spend awake time well will help you sleep well."