I decided to make this page after a few requests. Some, but not all, of the links on this page may be affiliate links. This means if you follow the link and make a purchase, I may make a small commission (at no extra charge to you). This helps support the site, and allows me to keep all of the content free for everyone to access!
*Note that I will not recommend any paid product or service unless I would pay (or have already paid) for it myself.
Insomnia
*For more details, check out this post.
Recommended insomnia books
I read most of my books on an e-reader these days, since it’s less bulky to carry around and the screen is just like reading a paper book. I personally use a Kobo e-reader, but Amazon’s Kindle is also very highly rated. For those who want to test it out without getting an e-reader, you can buy e-books and then read across most devices using the Kobo or Kindle apps.
Audiobooks are also an option; particularly if you’re like me and enjoy listening to them while doing chores like mowing the lawn or washing dishes. Both Kobo and Amazon (Audible) offer subscription services where you get 1 new audiobook each month (they both have a free trial where you get your first book free; and you get to keep it, even if you don’t renew).
| Title and Author | Comments / Availability |
| Sink Into Sleep: A Step-by-Step Guide for Reversing Insomnia by Judith R. Davidson | This highly rated book offers a step-by-step overview of CBT-I; which can be followed by the reader. Could be an option for those who don’t want to start with one-on-one therapy sessions. Get it on: Kobo | Kindle | Amazon (physical book) |
| Cognitive Behavioral Treatment of Insomnia: A Session-by-Session Guide by Michael L. Perlis, Carla Jungquist, Michael T. Smith, Donn Posner | *This book is for providers This book is recommended for those who want to learn the process of offering CBT-I to their patients. (warning, it’s not cheap; but comes very highly rated) Get it on: Kindle | Amazon (physical book) |
Recommended insomnia products
This white noise machine (we have 2 of them) offers different types of sounds, has ability to be plugged in or run on batteries, and is very reasonably priced:
Recommended insomnia services
There is no significant difference in outcomes of CBT-I given in-person or by telehealth/virtually. So these online services are a great option for those who are serious about getting started with CBT-I:
| Service | Free or paid? | Other comments |
| Online-Therapy | Free version available where they offer worksheets and activity plans (but no one-on-one) Different paid tiers available; offer virtual one-on-one counselling with a therapist. *You can use this link to get 20% off your first month | – Check with your insurance provider, coverage may be available |
| Hasu e-Counselling | – Video-chat or phone session are $95 *Hasu has offered 10% off the first session exclusively to Rxplanation readers. Simply use the promo code RX10 | – This is a virtual counseling/therapy service; offering one-on-one sessions with a certified therapist. – Check with your insurance provider, coverage may be available – Hasu confirms that one of their therapists (May Al-Fartousi) can provide CBT-I services |
| Haleo Clinic | – $500 total (5×100$ sessions) | – Includes a bonus companion mobile app – Available in French and English – Check with your insurance provider, coverage may be available |
| BetterHelp | Subscription based service Ranges from $80-$100 per week | – Based in the USA – Different modes of communication available (messaging, phone, video) – Check with your insurance provider, coverage may be available |
Other insomnia resources
- MySleepwell.ca – A great free resource developed by Dalhousie University
Miscellaneous resources
Recommended books
I read most of my books on an e-reader these days, since it’s less bulky to carry around and the screen is just like reading a paper book. I personally use a Kobo e-reader, but Amazon’s Kindle is also very highly rated. For those who want to test it out without getting an e-reader, you can buy e-books and then read across most devices using the Kobo or Kindle apps.
Audiobooks are also an option; particularly if you’re like me and enjoy listening to them while doing chores like mowing the lawn or washing dishes. Both Kobo and Amazon (Audible) offer subscription services where you get 1 new audiobook each month (they both have a free trial where you get your first book free; and you get to keep it, even if you don’t renew).
| Title and Author | Comments / Availability |
| The Cure For Everything!: Untangling the Twisted Messages About Health Fitness and Happiness by Timothy Caulfield | A great, easy to read, analysis of many aspects of health. He has a great blend of humor and science; and is a great science communicator. Get it on: Kobo | Kindle | Amazon (physical book) | Kobo (audiobook) | Audible (audiobook) |
| Freakonomics Revised and Expanded Edition: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything by Steven D. Levitt & Stephen J Dubner | Very entertaining and funny book. They challenge commonly held beliefs by analyzing the real numbers; no matter how uncomfortable. Get it on: Kobo | Kindle | Amazon (physical book) | Kobo (audiobook) | Audible (audiobook) |
| SuperFreakonomics: Global Cooling, Patriotic Prostitutes, and Why Suicide Bombers Should Buy Life Insurance by Steven D. Levitt & Stephen J Dubner | Excellent sequel to the first book; if you enjoyed the first one you’ll love this one. Get it on: Kobo | Kindle | Amazon (physical book) | Kobo (audiobook) | Audible (audiobook) |
| The Black Swan: The Impact of the Highly Improbable by Nassim Nicholas Taleb | Thought provoking book where he analyzes the impact of highly improbable events and why most people are blind to them before they occur. (warning: not easy reading, and also with a dabble into philosophy too) Get it on: Kobo | Kindle | Amazon (physical book) | Kobo (audiobook) | Audible (audiobook) |
| Show Your Work!: 10 Ways to Share Your Creativity and Get Discovered by Austin Kleon | This is the book that inspired me to just take a leap of faith and start Rxplanation Get it on: Kobo | Kindle | Amazon (physical book) | Audible (audiobook; 2 bonus books included) |
Health/science literacy courses
- University of Alberta offers a highly-rated course on science literacy via the Coursera platform.
(if you want a certificate at the end you need to pay a fee; otherwise it’s free)
Debunking resources
- Snopes – the original fact-checking website
- Reuters Fact Check
- #ScienceUpFirst
- FactCheck.org
- Strategies for Evaluating Sources: Abbreviated P.R.O.V.E.N.
