Sleeplessness and insomnia can often be the result of underlying issues like stress, anxiety or depression. Psychology can help to treat these and thus help with getting better sleep.
Treatment for Sleep Disorders
There are many reasons why people may experience difficulty sleeping. These are often a result of stress or anxiety about a particular life issue. Whatever the cause, sleep is very important to our ongoing well-being.
While it is perfectly normal to experience the occasional difficulty sleeping, it is not normal to regularly:
- Have problems sleeping at night
- Wake up exhausted
- Fall asleep during the day
The Effects of Sleep Disorders
Sleeplessness can have a serious toll on your day to day life, including:
- Lowered energy levels
- Loss of efficiency during the day (Getting confused, misplacing things)
- A lower ability to handle stress
- Increased likelihood of being in a bad mood or irritable
- Weight gain
- Possible short and long term memory issues
Getting To Sleep Easier
There are several techniques that can make it easier to fall asleep including:
- Getting regular exercise
- Avoiding napping during the day
- Stop eating two hours before bed
- Getting rid of electronics in the bedroom
- Reading late at night instead of watching TV, using a phone or a computer
However, most often, sleeplessness is caused by stress and anxiety. This is something that a psychologist can help you with.
How Psychology Can Help With Sleep Disorders
Often, the cause of sleeplessness or restlessness at night is due to other underlying causes that psychology can help to address including:
- Depression or anxiety
- Stress or an inability to relax
- A lack of motivation
Psychological treatment firstly involves exploring what is currently happening in a person’s life. Treatment methods may include:
- Hypnosis
- Relaxation, Mindfulness and Meditation
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
- Trauma Intervention Therapy
Contact Psychologist Dr. Sophie Bibrowska today to and find out how she can help you to sleep more peacefully.
Appointments can be made over the phone or via email.
Sophie’s practice is located at the Victoria Medical Centre, Acland Street, St Kilda.
