Cognitive Behavioral Group Counseling for Seniors Suffering from Insomnia
Approaching with Various Methods Including Relaxation Techniques, Sleep Behavior Rules Education, and Sleep Diary Writing
Nowon-gu (Mayor Oh Seung-rok) announced that it will conduct the 'From Now On, Sweet Sleep: Healthy Sleep Habit Formation Program' for elderly residents suffering from insomnia.
According to research by Seoul Asan Medical Center, as of 2013, the prevalence of insomnia by age group was 10.28% for those in their 60s, 15.22% for those in their 70s, and 18.21% for those aged 80 and above. Additionally, starting from age 60, one in ten people, and among those 80 and older, one in five, suffer from insomnia, showing a tendency for prevalence to increase with age.
'Sweet Sleep' is a customized cognitive-behavioral therapy group counseling program designed for elderly individuals as the prevalence of insomnia increases among seniors. It was first implemented last year through the Nowon-gu Senior Counseling Center, and due to positive feedback indicating significant improvement in participants' insomnia, it will be continued this year.
This program does not simply prescribe sleeping pills but identifies the root causes of insomnia and helps form healthy sleep habits through ▲various educational sessions ▲relaxation techniques ▲group counseling.
Sweet Sleep will be held from April 14 to May 19, every Monday from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM, at the Nowon Senior Counseling Center located on the 4th floor of the Surak Senior Welfare Center in Sanggye-dong, over a total of five sessions.
According to the schedule for each session, participants will enhance their understanding of insomnia, analyze their own sleep patterns, and learn how to practice healthy sleep habits. In particular, based on the 'sleep diary' assignment given each session, participants will understand the relationship between sleep and emotions, learn stress relief methods, and receive support to gain psychological stability.
The entire program is free of charge, and Nowon-gu residents aged 65 or older (born in 1960 or earlier) who wish to participate can apply by visiting the Nowon Senior Counseling Center from 9:00 AM on April 3 to 6:00 PM on April 9. The total number of participants is limited to 10 and will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. However, to ensure effective sleep improvement, participants must be able to attend all five sessions. For further inquiries, contact the Nowon Senior Counseling Center.
The district plans to expand the program if the Sweet Sleep program, which has been in operation since last year, proves effective in alleviating insomnia among the elderly.
Meanwhile, the district is also conducting group counseling through ▲psychodrama ▲communication group counseling using MBTI personality type tests ▲life and death life lessons Well-dying group counseling to help seniors overcome difficulties in their life cycle.
Oh Seung-rok, Mayor of Nowon-gu, stated, "Insomnia is one of the major factors that significantly reduce quality of life," and added, "Through this program, I hope our elderly residents regain their lost sweet sleep and enjoy a happy senior life."
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