CAN’T GET ENOUGH Z-Z-Z’S? A Sleep Therapist Can Help

People with insomnia can’t fall asleep, stay asleep or get enough rest. Up to half of U.S. adults have occasional insomnia, and about 15% have chronic insomnia. A lack of sleep can lead to health issues like diabetes, hypertension, weight gain, mental health disorders and accidents on the road and at work.

If you have chronic insomnia, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia may help. A few sessions with a therapist can identify and replace thoughts and behaviors that cause or worsen sleep issues with habits that promote sound sleep. Studies show it is more effective than prescription sleep medication and continues to be effective even a year after treatment! Ask your medical doctor for a referral to get started.

These strategies can also help you have a better night’s sleep:

  • Avoid large meals, caffeine, and alcohol before bed.
  • Be physically active during the day, outside if possible.
  • Cut back on caffeine, including coffee, sodas, and chocolate.
  • Go to bed and get up at the same time each day, including weekends.
  • Turn off screens (phones, tablets, TVs, etc.) 30 minutes before bed.
  • Quit smoking.
  • Turn your bedroom into a dark, quiet, cool sanctuary.
  • Unwind with soothing music, a good book or meditation.
  • Use sleep medication sparingly and only for a short time.

Resources:

GET AN ANNUAL CHECKUP: It Will Save You Money in the Long Run

Did you know the average cost for colon cancer care for one year is $30,000? On the other hand, getting a colonoscopy during #NationalColorectalCancerAwarenessMonth costs you nothing—and removes precancerous polyps to prevent colorectal cancer before it even gets started.

That’s just one example of how preventive care can save you money in the future. Here are some more ways ongoing preventive care can help you save money:

  • Detect cancer, chronic conditions, and serious diseases early when they are treated most effectively—at a much lower cost.
  • Be aware of warning signs for conditions that can be prevented with lifestyle changes (like type 2 diabetes) or drug therapy (like high blood pressure or high cholesterol).
  • Get recommended cancer screenings that are right for you—not just once, but as often as you need them throughout your life.
  • Keep up to date with immunizations that can dramatically reduce your risk for costly illnesses like the flu, COVID-19, shingles, pneumonia, tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough.
  • Monitor health risks that run in your family, so that you won’t “pay” for them later.
  • Get support to end bad habits that cost you money now (like smoking or drinking too much alcohol) and later if they erode your health.
  • Start healthy habits that are an investment in your future good health.

Your Health Plan pays 100% for recommended preventive care (no copay or deductible required). Get started with an annual checkup—and before you go, check out the tips in our infographic below.

Resources:

YOU HAVE OPTIONS: Get the Care That’s Right For You

Your medical plan gives you many options for getting care. Selecting the right level of care for each type of situation can help you get the most from your benefits and keep your out-of-pocket costs down.

  • Be sure to register on your medical plan carrier’s website, then search for in-network providers, to get the best benefit coverage. (Cigna members, be sure to switch to the Providence PPS / School District No. 1 Trust network on April 1. Learn more here.)
  • Preventive care: Detect serious health concerns early, when they are most effectively treated. The Plan pays 100% for ACA recommended preventive services and cancer screenings. To get started, schedule an annual checkup with your in-network provider.
  • In-person doctor visit. When you need to be seen in person for a physical exam or to get tests, schedule an office visit.
  • Virtual care: A doctor can diagnose most acute illnesses and prescribe medication via a virtual visit using your phone, tablet, or computer. Log in to your medical plan carrier’s website to get started.
  • Behavioral health: Your medical plan covers care from any qualified behavioral health provider, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or licensed therapist. Many offer virtual visits, so you can meet when it’s convenient for you, in the privacy or your home.
  • Urgent care: For an issue that is serious, but not life-threatening (a broken bone or cut that needs stitches), an urgent care clinic is a good choice. Locate an in-network clinic near you before an urgent situation happens.
  • Emergency care: When it’s life or death, call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency room, if the victim has a head injury, is unconscious or bleeding severely.

Resources

Share this Post:
Go back to Trust Blog home page