Insomnia Clinic

Sleep is important, and poor sleep can affect so many aspects of our life. If you are finding it difficult to fall asleep, stay asleep or are waking too early, and this is having an impact on your day-to-day life, then you may have insomnia. Our Insomnia Clinic is an award winning service, supporting adult patients with sleep difficulties. We treat insomnia using evidence based therapy known as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy which is approved by The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). This treatment is the gold standard treatment for this condition.

As part of our assessment, we screen for other sleep disorders such apnoea, nightmares, circadian rhythm disorders, and movement disorders associated with sleep. We provide evidence based behavioural support for some of these disorders, and will make recommendations for onward referral, where indicated.

You can find additional information on insomnia on the NHS website.

If you experience daytime sleepiness, and suspect altered breathing during sleep, your GP may instead refer you to the Respiratory Sleep Clinic.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) is an evidence-based treatment which encourages consistent changes to behaviours that affect our sleep. This might include adopting good sleep hygiene, making changes to our times into and out of bed, and using strategies to help prepare our mind for sleep.

There is significant evidence to show that CBT-I is more effective than medication in treating chronic insomnia.

CBT-I helps patients maintain improvements in the long term.

What to expect...

  • A qualified medical professional will assess you. Our therapists have considerable experience in Sleep Medicine.

  • Unless requested, your first assessment will be by telephone. We suggest you allow approximately 45 minutes for this process. As part of your assessment, we may ask you to complete some sleep related questionnaires and sleep diaries.

  • We have created a treatment programme, based on CBT-I that uses pre-recorded videos alongside one to one support. Typically, treatment concludes within six appointments, usually spanning several months.

  • We accept referrals from a wide geographical area as we can conduct treatment remotely, using video and telephone support. We have supported patients from the Isle of Wight, Kent, Sussex, London, and the Home Counties.

  • Treatment goals may also include helping patients to reduce their reliance on sleep aids. We have helped many patients do this; introducing evidence-based strategies to improve their sleep and over time, reduce the need for sleep aids.

Feedback from patients who have completed treatment

My treatment for insomnia at the sleep clinic was a very positive experience. My therapist gave me lots of good advice, and was very patient and kind throughout the whole process.

I was dealt with as a whole person, not just a series of symptoms. I was given the chance to explore the wider issues of my sleep problems - affording me the time to feel cared for - something I rarely come across in the current climate within the NHS. I now have many tools with which to help myself.

Insomnia Service very effective  Helpful practical and supportive. Videos and advice useful clear and kind - not patronising or overly detailed - very user friendly and phone discussions patient and informative.

Information for referrers

  • Our service is for adults.
  • GP referrals are accepted using eRS.
  • Patients may not be suitable for CBT-I if they are dependent on drugs or are heavy alcohol users.
  • As we do not provide acute mental health support or targeted therapy for mental health conditions, please consider your patients mental health needs separately to the delivery of CBT-I.
  • Our approach uses coaching techniques and principles aligned with Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help us deliver CBT-I in a way that is client centred and supportive.
  • To be effective, candidates referred for CBT-I should be prepared and able to make some consistent changes to behaviours that affect their sleep. This may include lifestyle changes. If you are unsure of a patient’s suitability please discuss with the team using our email: rsch.insomniateam@nhs.net or using the advice and guidance option in eRS.
  • For all other health professionals wishing to refer, please complete a referral form and send to rsch.insomniateam@nhs.net.