When sleep won't come, or won't stay
Sleep Support Across The North East
Therapy that gets to the root of what's keeping you awake and helps you get your nights back.
- 44 Practitioners
- 6 North East clinics
- Free First Pathway call
Understanding sleep problems
Poor sleep is not just tiredness. It affects how you think, feel, and cope with everything else.
Sleep disorders and sleep disturbances cover a broad range of problems, from insomnia and frequent night waking to early morning waking and unrefreshing sleep. While occasional poor sleep is normal, chronic sleep problems are those that persist for at least three nights a week for more than three months, and significantly affect daytime functioning.
The relationship between sleep and mental health runs in both directions. Poor sleep can worsen anxiety, depression, and stress, and those conditions in turn make sleep harder. Many people find themselves stuck in a cycle where worrying about not sleeping becomes a major reason they cannot sleep. This is where psychological therapy is particularly effective.
CBT for insomnia (CBT-I) is the most well-evidenced treatment for chronic sleep problems. It works by identifying the specific thoughts and behaviours that are perpetuating poor sleep and replacing them with healthier patterns. Results are typically lasting, unlike medication, which tends to stop working when stopped. Our therapists can help identify when sleep problems are connected to broader mental health difficulties, and the Pathway Team will match you to the right support.
Common signs
How sleep problems shows up, and what can help
Common signs
- Difficulty falling asleep despite feeling tired
- Waking in the night and struggling to resettle
- Waking too early and unable to return to sleep
- Not feeling refreshed after a full night's sleep
- Daytime fatigue, low energy, or difficulty concentrating
- Irritability or low mood linked to poor sleep
- Anxiety or racing thoughts at bedtime
- Relying on alcohol or medication to fall asleep
Therapies that can help
Different people respond to different approaches. Your therapist agrees a personalised plan with you, which may draw on:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
The Pathway Team matches you to a therapist experienced in supporting people with sleep problems, at your chosen location.
A simple first move
Not sure where to start? Talk it through with the Pathway Team.
Who you might work with
Therapists with expertise in supporting people with sleep problems
Browse the full team, or let the Pathway Team match you.
When to reach out
If sleep problems are affecting your days, they are worth treating.
If you have been struggling to sleep for more than a few weeks and it is affecting your work, relationships, or mood, that is reason enough to seek support. You do not need to have tried everything first. Many people come to us having exhausted sleep hygiene tips and over-the-counter remedies: this is exactly where therapy steps in.
It is also worth seeking help if you are relying on alcohol or sleeping medication to get through the night, as both can worsen sleep quality over time. The Pathway Team at Select Psychology will take the time to understand your concerns and match you with the therapist best suited to your needs. A free Pathway call is the place to start.
Where we offer this
Support for sleep problems across the North East
Questions before you start
What people usually ask
1 What is CBT for insomnia and how does it work?
CBT for insomnia (CBT-I) is the most effective long-term treatment for chronic sleep problems. It works by identifying and changing the thoughts and behaviours that maintain poor sleep, such as lying awake worrying about not sleeping, irregular sleep schedules, and habits that keep the brain alert at bedtime. Unlike sleeping medication, CBT-I addresses the root causes of insomnia rather than managing the symptoms temporarily.
2 What causes sleep problems?
Sleep problems can be triggered or maintained by a wide range of factors: stress and anxiety, depression, an uncomfortable sleep environment, shift work, caffeine and alcohol, screen use in the evening, and underlying medical conditions. Often it is a combination. Once poor sleep takes hold, worrying about sleep can become a cause in itself, creating a cycle that is difficult to break without support.
3 How much sleep do adults actually need?
Most adults need between seven and nine hours of sleep per night, though individual needs vary. What matters more than total hours is sleep quality: waking frequently, not feeling refreshed, or relying on stimulants to get through the day are signs that your sleep is not doing its job, regardless of how long you spend in bed.
4 Is it worth seeing a therapist just for sleep problems?
Yes. Chronic sleep problems have a significant impact on mental and physical health, and they rarely resolve without addressing the underlying patterns. CBT-I has a strong evidence base and is recommended by NICE as a first-line treatment. Many people find that improving their sleep also improves anxiety, mood, and overall quality of life in ways they did not expect.
In the meantime
Small things that can help right now.
- Keep a consistent sleep and wake time, even at weekends
- Avoid screens in the hour before bed
- Make your bedroom cool, dark, and as comfortable as possible
- Cut back on caffeine after midday
- Use slow breathing or a body scan relaxation at bedtime
- Avoid lying awake: get up briefly if sleep won't come
From the blog
Helpful reading on this
What Is A Circadian Rhythm? How Does It Affect Sleep?
People struggling with sleep-related issues may be having trouble with their circadian rhythms. Learn more about this bodily function here.
Read article
Is Scrolling Social Media Effecting My Sleep?
Social media and the effect on sleep - read part three of our four part series about the impact of social media on mental health.
Read article
How to Stop Overthinking: Strategies for a Calmer Mind
From work to relationships, overthinking can affect many aspects of our lives. Here we explore overthinking and how to stop it.
Read article
Chasing Away the Winter Blues: Strategies for Seasonal Mental Wellbeing
In this blog, Select Psychology explores winter blues, the psychological issues associated with winter such as Seasonal Affective Disorder and more.
Read articleGet in touch
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