The Sleep Clinic

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Sleep is something we take for granted until we have problems with it and then we quickly become aware of how desirable a good night's sleep is. The need to sleep as a fundamental human need it plays a vital role in maintaining our physical and emotional well-being. We are in the midst of a catastrophic, global sleep loss epidemic. As a species we have begun to normalise sleep loss with some people even wearing it like a badge of honour. 

Poor sleep has been shown to have negative effects on mood, memory, learning, attention, decision-making, energy levels, motivation, immunity, hormone regulation and many other biological processes.  All symptoms are made worse by poor sleep and there is an intimate relationship between sleep and almost all mental and physical health conditions. From anxiety to psychosis, heart disease and diabetes to Alzheimer's. Poor sleep can also lead to more impulsive and irrational behaviour.

Sleep problems affect every age group. As rapid changes in modern living take an increasing toll on our mental and physical health, up to 30% of people report long-term problems with their sleep. For millions more people, the body’s need for an appropriate amount of good quality sleep is frequently compromised to meet perceived need to have more ‘awake’ time. Sleep is often the first thing we sacrifice when life gets busy. However, when we prioritise sleep we become better equipped to deal with life’s challenges. Good sleep doesn’t just mean lots of sleep: it means the right kind of sleep. 

Signs you are experiencing poor sleep include:

• Difficulty falling and staying asleep - a common symptom of insomnia which could be the result of excessive worry or an anxiety disorder, depression, physical pain or simply an irregular sleep habit

• Being awake for most of the night, despite wanting and trying to sleep

• Waking up early in the morning and not being able to get back to sleep

• Interrupted sleep - may be caused by an uncomfortable bed, nightmares or sleep apnoea

• Waking up tired and feeling un-refreshed

• Struggling to complete day-to-day tasks due to lack of energy

• Reduced productivity and performance at work

• Poor concentration

• Indecisiveness

• Daytime drowsiness

• Irritability and agitation

Insomnia is the most commonly experienced problem with sleep, with as much as one in 10 of the adult population likely meeting criteria for diagnosis. The case for the effective treatment of sleep disturbance is, therefore, unequivocal, not just in its own right but also because of the additional benefits that it may convey to other areas of physical and mental health.

With robust theoretical foundations and a solid evidence-base, Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBTi) is now the recommended first-line treatment for insomnia in international clinical guidelines. Its efficacy has been demonstrated across a range of clinical populations.

Drawing on Joanna's training in CBTi with the prestigious Sleep and Circadian Neuroscience Institute at the University of Oxford, (SCNi), and underpinned by her deep understanding of human needs and resources, The Sleep Clinic at The Well-Minded Practice takes a holistic, human needs-based approach to working with sleep difficulties, drawing from the most up-to-date understandings in neuroscience and psychology, and evidenced based tools and techniques.

Joanna lectures and delivers training on sleep and has written many articles on this fascinating, if at times infuriating, subject. She can help you understand how to improve your sleep, giving you significant boosts in mood, concentration, performance, health and well-being.