The Sleep-Mood-Fatigue Model for Insomnia and Depression

Course overview

The complex interplay between major depressive disorder (MDD) and Insomnia Disorder (ID), which often present together, requires a balanced and well-informed approach. MDD is the leading cause of disability worldwide (World Health Organization, 2017), and is often comorbid with ID. On their own, each disorder can cause mood disturbances, fatigue, cognitive deficits, and more. When clients present with both disorders, providers are often challenged to form an approach that adequately addresses each problem. MDD clients treated for their depression often do not resolve their ID, and ID patients are often resistant to standard treatment models for depression. While CBT-I has demonstrated its utility in treating both of these common disorders, the best outcomes result when multiple evidence-based models are combined. This course will demonstrate how to combine Behavioral Activation (for MDD) and Brief Behavioral Insomnia Therapy approaches for optimal outcomes when treating both disorders.