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Sleep Medicine Specialists: Behavioral Sleep Medicine Clinic
Director: Ryan G. Wetzler, Psy.D, C. BSM, ABPP
Biographical Statement:
Dr. Ryan Wetzler completed his bachelor's degree at St. Louis University and his master of arts in clinical psychology and doctor of psychology degrees at Spalding University. He conducted his doctoral dissertation on the cognitive-behavioral treatment of insomnia and continues to conduct clinical research in the field of behavioral sleep medicine. His current research interests include further development and refinement of cognitive-behavioral treatment strategies for treating insomnia and circadian rhythm disorders. Dr. Wetzler is also investigating clinical factors associated with compliance with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. He is involved in research concentrating on developing clinical strategies to allow patients to more easily adjust to CPAP therapy. Dr. Wetzler is a sleep psychologist and behavioral sleep medicine specialist focusing on the treatment of sleep disorders and other health conditions linked to disturbed sleep. Dr. Wetzler is a licensed psychologist and certified by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine in the practice of behavioral sleep medicine. He is director of the behavioral sleep medicine clinic at Sleep Medicine Specialists and director of cognitive and behavioral research at Kentucky Research Group.
Behavioral Sleep Medicine:
Behavioral Sleep Medicine (BSM) is the branch of clinical sleep medicine and health psychology that focuses on identifying the cognitive and behavioral factors that contribute to sleep disorders. Behavioral sleep medicine specialists develop and implement cognitive and behavioral intervention strategies for the entire spectrum of sleep disorders. BSM practitioners have specialized training in the evaluation and treatment of sleep disorders including insomnia, circadian rhythm disorders, obstructive sleep apnea and other sleep disorders. BSM is a fairly new area of practice and has been recognized as a subspeciality since 2003. Sleep Medicine Specialists is one of only a few sleep centers nationwide that provide behavioral sleep medicine services for their patients. For a list of professionals who are certified in the practice of Behavioral Sleep Medicine, please refer to the following American Academy of Sleep Medicine Website: http://www.aasmnet.org/BSME.aspx.
BSM Services offered at Sleep Medicine Specialists:
BSM Treatment Approach:
Evaluation Process-In the BSM clinic your particular sleep problem will be thoroughly evaluated. Prior to you initial visit to the clinic you will be asked to complete a thorough sleep history questionnaire as well as other sleep related questionnaires. These materials will be mailed out to you at least one week prior to your scheduled clinic visit to allow you ample time to complete them in the comfort of your own home. Your initial clinic visit will typically take from 30 to 90 minutes. The purpose of this intensive evaluation is to identify all the factors involved in your sleep complaint so we can ensure you receive the most appropriate treatment for your particular sleep problem. Other medical tests and procedures may also be recommended. These may include an overnight sleep study in our sleep lab as well as others.
Treatment Process-The BSM clinic treats sleep disorders with cognitive and behavioral techniques. Cognitive-behavioral treatment targets the factors that frequently contribute to sleep disturbance. Common factors addressed include correction of various poor sleep habits. Poor sleep habits frequently lead to a disruption of our nature sleep propensity and circadian rhythm. Development of good sleep practices can reengage our natural sleep system, stabilize our circadian rhythm, and allow for natural improvement in sleep without the use of sleep medications. In addition, prolonged sleep disruption can lead to developing significant worry about ones ability to sleep. This treatment also assists one to overcome this worry and once again view sleep as a peaceful and invigorating aspect of life. Cognitive-behavioral treatment will require you to collaboratively work with your sleep specialist in a series of treatment sessions. Frequently, significant improvement can be seen in as few as 2-3 weeks.
Effectiveness of Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment (CBT):
Researchers have identified CBT as an effective treatment for sleep disturbances including insomnia. Recent studies indicate that CBT is just as effective, if not more effective, than sleep medications for the treatment of insomnia. CBT is considered the most effective long-term treatment for insomnia. Evidence from controlled clinical trials suggests that 70-80% of patients with primary insomnia will benefit from cognitive-behavioral treatment. As a result of recent research, CBT is now considered a first line treatment for insomnia.
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