What I Learned at the SBSM Conference 2023

I had the privilege of attending the annual meeting of the Society of Behavioral Sleep Medicine (SBSM) in sunny San Diego from November 3rd to 5th, 2023. The SBSM is an exceptional organization committed to research, training, and advocacy for healthcare providers employing behavioral strategies in the management of sleep disorders. As my own career became increasingly focused on behavioral interventions for sleep disorders, I discovered a wealth of resources offered by the SBSM, prompting me to join as a member in 2021.

The conference brings together many SBSM members who share a common goal — providing evidence-based treatments to individuals with sleep disorders. Everyone in attendance is eager to share what they have learned and to learn from others.

A prominent theme at this year’s conference was the integration of acceptance-based strategies from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) into the behavioral treatment of insomnia. While Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) is the gold standard treatment for insomnia, there remain patients who either do not respond to it or struggle to adhere to the prescribed procedures. The hope is that adding strategies from ACT to some of the core elements of CBT-I will increase its accessibility and efficacy. There were several workshops at the conference where attendees learned how other providers are currently using ACT principles and gained hands-on experience by practicing with a partner from the audience.

I first learned about ACT in 2018 and have since been incorporating some of these strategies into my own behavioral treatment plans for sleep patients. ACT techniques have not only proven beneficial for my patients but have also contributed positively to my own mental health. I’m excited to build on my current strategies and become even more effective at helping patients recover from sleep disorders.