A major challenge to the success of behavioral therapy for insomnia is the frequent (over)prescription of sleep-inducing medication (hypnotics) in clinical practice. The prescription or increase of hypnotics often renders previous efforts of non-pharmacological therapy by the treatment team and the patient ineffective and wastes resources. This does not only lead to frustration within the team but also shapes expectations towards treatment — namely the assumption that behavioral changes cannot improve sleep. This weakens the patients’ sense of self-efficacy. Therefore, it is of great importance that the entire treatment team is familiar with and supports the program.
