SLEEP PROBLEMS
ARE YOU STRUGGLING WITH SLEEP PROBLEMS?
Sleep disorders cause more than just sleepiness. Sleep disorders and sleep disturbances comprise a broad range of problems, including sleep apnea, narcolepsy, insomnia, jet-lag syndrome, and disturbed biological and circadian rhythms. Sleep problems also negatively impact your energy, emotional balance, and health. If you worried that you might be suffering from sleep problems, our team of specialists at Select Psychology can help you cope in a safe and confidential environment.
WHAT ARE SLEEP PROBLEMS?
Getting proper sleep is vital for optimum mind and body functioning. Getting less sleep than required can lead to overall imbalance and difficulty in coping with daily tasks. Having sleep problems is normal and usually temporary, caused due to stress or other external factors. But if sleep problems are a regular occurrence and interfere with your daily life, you may be suffering from a sleep disorder.
A sleep disorder is a condition that prevents you from getting a restful sleep on a regular basis and causes daytime sleepiness. Prolonged sleep problems can hamper your quality of life severely and have a significant impact on your personal relationships as well as social and professional life. It can leave you feeling tired frequently and lead to imbalance that may further cause low self-esteem, anxiety and feelings of stress and worry.
Symptoms of Sleep Problems
To determine whether you have a sleep disorder or not, you need to begin by paying close attention to your sleep habits and patterns which might help ascertain next steps. You should seek professional help for coping with sleep problems when it disrupts your quality of life. Some common symptoms of sleep problems are:
- Difficulty falling or staying asleep
- Extreme daytime fatigue
- Poor concentration
- Irritability
- Not feeling refreshed after a night’s sleep
- Anxiety
WHEN TO SEEK THERAPY FOR SLEEP PROBLEMS
You should seek treatment for sleep problems when:
Your sleep problems are seriously affecting your ability to carry out regular tasks
You are unable to sleep at night for a continued amount of time
You feel easily tired during the day even after you have slept for at least 7 hours the night before
Your performance at work / university / school is getting negatively impacted
You are finding it difficult to balance and maintain the important aspects of your life such as personal relationships and self-care habits
You are experiencing low self-esteem and feelings of worry and stress
THE BEST THERAPIES FOR TREATING SLEEP PROBLEMS
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I)
Mindfulness
Counselling
BENEFITS OF THERAPY FOR SLEEP PROBLEMS
Helps deal with specific sleep-related unhelpful thoughts that are causing you problem
Reduces the tendency to rely on medication for helping you sleep better
Help you learn healthy sleeping habits and cope with sleep problems
Improves your own awareness and knowledge of what might be causing sleep problems and helps you resolve them; for example, stress and anxiety
THINGS YOU CAN DO TO HELP WITH SLEEP PROBLEMS
If you or someone you know is suffering from sleep problems, it is important to seek help as soon as you can. But here are some things you can do in the meantime while you wait for your first appointment:
Try to set up a routine as it can help strike a healthy balance between your sleep schedule and working schedule.
Relaxation methods and grounding techniques such as relaxing your body by noticing and releasing the tension in your muscles can help you release the stress and make your body more relaxed and ready for sleep.
Seek and build comfort. Making your sleeping area more comfortable and to your liking, whether it is in your own bedroom or an accommodation or a hospital bed, can help significantly.
Manage your screen time. Using devices such as phone, laptop or tablet in the evening hours can affect your sleep negatively.
HOW CAN OUR PSYCHOLOGY SERVICES HELP WITH SLEEP PROBLEMS?
We offer a wide range of therapies to help with sleep problems and give you the tools to cope and understand your emotions. We are a private mental health service with highly trained therapists and no waiting lists.
This is how therapy would work:
Step 1
Get in touch
Step 2
Telephone Consultation
Step 3
Appointment Offer
Step 4
Initial Assessment
Step 5
Your Therapy
Step 6
Feeling Better
HELPFUL THINGS TO KNOW
What are the 3 most common sleep disorders?
The 3 most common sleep disorders are: insomnia, sleep apnea and restless legs syndrome.
How many hours of sleep is necessary?
It is recommended for an adult to sleep at least 7 to 9 hours, toddlers 11 to 14 hours, kids 9 to 12 hours and teenagers to sleep at least 8 to 10 hours.
What are the possible causes of sleep problems?
Possible causes of sleep problems include:
- Stress and anxiety
- Poor sleeping environment, such as uncomfortable bed and unsuitable lighting in the bedroom
- Mental health problems such as depression and schizophrenia
- Lifestyle choices such as working hours and caffeine intake before bed