Bad sleep: a never ending loop

This resource explains the vicious cycle of poor sleep, highlighting how unhelpful habits, physical tension, and worry can make it harder to break free from sleep challenges.

It is designed to build on the 5 areas formulation of sleep difficulties, and support therapists in delivering psychoeducation around the cycle of poor sleep.

Free

Bad sleep: a never ending loop

Free

Bad sleep: a never ending loop

Download

Black & White Version

Specifically created to keep ink usage low without compromising on great design.

Full Colour Version

Great for sharing on computer screens, phones & tablets.

References and Further Reading 

  • Dewald-Kaufmann, J., de Bruin, E. and Michael, G. (2022) ‘Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia in school-aged children and adolescents’, Sleep Medicine Clinics, 17(3), pp. 355–365. doi:10.1016/j.jsmc.2022.06.003.
  • Keuppens, L. et al. (2023a) ‘Sleep intervention as symptom treatment for ADHD (siesta)-blended CBT sleep intervention to improve sleep, ADHD symptoms and related problems in adolescents with ADHD: Protocol for a randomised controlled trial’, BMJ Open, 13(4). doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2022-065355.
  • Gradisar, M. et al. (2011a) ‘A randomized controlled trial of cognitive-behavior therapy plus bright light therapy for adolescent delayed sleep phase disorder’, Sleep, 34(12), pp. 1671–1680. doi:10.5665/sleep.1432.
  • Dewald-Kaufmann, J., de Bruin, E. and Michael, G. (2019) ‘Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) in school-aged children and adolescents’, Sleep Medicine Clinics, 14(2), pp. 155–165. doi:10.1016/j.jsmc.2019.02.002.
  • Åslund, L. et al. (2020) ‘Cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia in adolescents with comorbid psychiatric disorders: A clinical pilot study’, Clinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 25(4), pp. 958–971. doi:10.1177/1359104520929376.
  • Ma, Z.-R., Shi, L.-J. and Deng, M.-H. (2018) ‘Efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy in children and adolescents with insomnia: A systematic review and meta-analysis’, Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research, 51(6). doi:10.1590/1414-431×20187070.
  • Sukiennik, O. et al. (2024) ‘Changes to sleep patterns and insomnia symptoms following cognitive behavioural therapy for anxiety disorders in adolescents’, Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy, 52(5), pp. 522–534. doi:10.1017/s1352465824000195.