Having trouble sleeping at night? Youre not the only one.

Insomnia affects more than 75 million Americans a yearbut West Virginia University is helping some sufferers rest easy.

The Quin Curtis Center now offers psychological treatment for insomnia in older adults.

Heres how it works: Quin Curtis specialists, including researchers like Dr. Amy Fiske, evaluate a clients daily behaviors and design a sleep therapy schedule to best fit those adults who feel they are missing much-needed rest.

Theyll look at how much coffee a person drinks during the day, and whether or not he or she smokes or drinks alcohol. Theyll ask about naps during the day. Then Fiske and other specialists will begin a cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia known as CBT -I to help change behavior, so one can get a better nights sleep.

The Quin Curtis Center is the first health facility in Morgantown to employ the CBT -I therapy, Fiske said.

To schedule an appointment, call the Quin Curtis Center at (304) 293-2001, ext. 4. For more information on CBT -I, contact Fiske at amy.fiske@mail.wvu.edu or 304-293-2001, ext. 31644.

Sleep treatment particulars

WVU clients diagnosed with chronic insomnia are encouraged by behavioral coaches to develop ways to change their sleeping behaviors.

That means no TV or snacks in the bedroom. Instead, jump into a fun, mentally-compelling activity outside of the bedroom until youre tired and sleepy. Fiske and the other specialists also teachrelaxation training,which shows people how to focus on slow breathing and mental clarity.

People who have trouble falling asleep, or who wake up frequently during the night, have insomnia. If you wake earlier in the morning than you normally do, and you feel tired, you have insomnia.

Women and older adults are vulnerable to insomnia, as are people who suffer from clinical depression.

If you cant sleep from jet lag or a street light shining in your room, you dont have insomnia. Same deal if youre tossing and turning over that important presentation you have to give at work the next morning.

Not being able to sleep more than three nights a week for more than a month could mean chronic insomnia.

The Quin Curtis Center is part of the Department of Psychology, in WVU s Eberly College of Arts and Sciences.