Good sleep is important for maintaining our physical and mental health, yet research has shown that sleep disorders are becoming more common. With increased screen time and busier lifestyles, today many people struggle with insomnia, insufficient sleep, or poor sleep quality.

Common symptoms of insomnia include:

• Difficulty falling asleep
• Lying awake tossing and turning
• Waking up earlier than desired
• Not feeling refreshed when waking up
• Problems with memory and concentration
• Difficulty managing emotions.
  
  

Sleep problems can be distressing and can impact our day-to-day lives. Although sleeping pills are frequently prescribed for insomnia, their benefits can be short-lived, and they can cause unwanted side-effects.

Because many sleep difficulties involve cognitive, behavioural, and emotional factors, Psychologists are well placed to offer support through assessment and therapeutic intervention. Psychological therapy can help to build awareness and understanding around sleep, promote healthy sleep practices, and improve a person's relationship with their sleep. Psychologists can offer a range of evidence-based techniques, tailored to each individual client. Psychological therapy can help with the following sleep conditions:

• Insomnia
• Hypersomnia
• Narcolepsy
• Parasomnias (bad dreams, nightmares, night terrors, sleep walking, sleep talking, rapid eye movement sleep behaviour disorder)
• Circadian rhythm disorders (Delayed Sleep-Wake Phase Disorder, Advanced Sleep-Wake Phase Disorder, irregular sleep cycle, non-24hr cycle)
• Managing sleep and shift work
• Restless leg syndrome
• Sleep-related anxiety
• Sleep-related trauma
• Help adhering to treatment for Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (including CPAP or TMJ splint)

Psychological therapies commonly used to treat sleep conditions include Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI).

Experiencing pain or illness can be debilitating, especially when it becomes persistent or recurring.  Psychological therapy cannot always reduce a person’s pain or illness (however in some cases this can be possible!) but it can help cultivate meaningful improvement in the lives of people suffering from chronic pain/illness.

Pain and discomfort impact the way a person thinks, feels, and behaves. Because of this, psychologists are well placed to help address issues that come with chronic pain/illness. Psychologists can do this by addressing the following areas:

• Thoughts: Psychologists can help you to develop helpful and adaptive thinking patterns surrounding your pain.
• Feelings: Psychologists can help you to understand and express the emotional impact of your pain, and provide you with coping skills to use when needed.
• Behaviours: Psychologists can help you to connect with the things you value in life, and help you take steps to ensure that you are living in line with these values, even while experiencing pain/illness.
  
  

Everyone has their own unique relationship with their pain and their body. It is therefore important that therapy approaches each client as an individual. Additionally, chronic pain and illness has high comorbidity, meaning that it is common to have multiple conditions at the same time. At Sleep Psychology Canberra, we regognise that there is no one-size-fits-all approach, especially when it comes to chronic pain and illness. That’s why we take the time to get to know you, and your condition(s). 

Given the clinic is called Sleep Psychology Canberra, you may be wondering whether you can see us for non-sleep related issues. The answer is yes! You are welcome to attend the clinic for most general mental-health issues. Below is a list of common mental health concerns that we are qualified to treat:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Bipolar Disorder
• OCD
• Substance use disorders
• Grief and loss
• Interpersonal issues
  
  

If you aren’t sure whether Sleep Psychology Canberra can help you, please feel free to get in touch and tell us a little about your reason for seeking therapy. If we aren’t able to help, we will do our best to recommend someone else who can!

Sleep Psychology Canberra is an online clinic providing services via telehealth and telephone. In person appointments are not available currently.

Although some people are apprehensive about trying telehealth for the first time, most people who try it report a positive experience with unexpected benefits such as:

• Convenience: Have sessions from the comfort of your own home, work, or other suitable location
• Efficient: No need to factor in time to travel or find a park.
• Cost effective: Most people can access telehealth from their phone. No need to pay for transport or parking.
• Accessible: Telehealth services are especially accessible for people who may have difficulty leaving the house due to sleep and/or health issues.