Abstract: ObjectiveTo explore the cognitive psychological characteristics of the insomniac and the effect of cognitive therapy.Methods93 insomniac in-patients were divided randomly into the trial group (n=47) and control group (n=46). The trial group was treated by cognitive therapy plus medicine. The control group was only treated with medicines. The treatment lasted for 8 weeks. Before and after treatment, patients of all two groups were examined by Beliefs and Attitudes about Sleep Scale (DBAS). 45 healthy individuals were also examined at the same time. The therapeutic effect was evaluated with Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI).ResultsBefore treatment, DBAS scores of insomniacs were significantly different from the healthy (P<0.001). After treatment, scores of DBAS and PSQI of the trial group were significantly different from that of the control group ( P<0.001).ConclusionThe cognitive treatment can change erroneous cognitions related to sleeping in the insomniac and improve the therapeutic effect.

Key words: cognitive treatment, insomnia, erroneous cognition, therapeutic effectiveness