APSS: New drugs for insomnia will focus on safety

One way of achieving that end is the use of cognitive behavioral therapy, said Charles Morin, Ph.D., of Laval University in Quebec.

"There is no pill for CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)," Dr. Morin said. "You have to spend time talking with the patient."

However, he said, the therapy does work and studies show that it can work in just one session, although it may take up to four.

It can also be effective when conducted by a nurse practitioner, he said.