Sleep Problem
What are the common symptoms?
Poor sleep quality often leads to fatigue, irritability, and reduced concentration. Over time, untreated sleep problems may contribute to serious health risks such as heart disease, diabetes, and mental health disorders. Therefore, identifying symptoms early and adopting healthy sleep habits can prevent complications and improve quality of life. Below are some symptoms that may indicate you have a sleep problem:
- Difficulty falling asleep
- Frequent waking during the night
- Waking up too early
- Daytime fatigue or sleepiness
- Irritability or mood changes
- Trouble concentrating
- Headaches upon waking
- Dependence on sleep aids
Why do I feel like this?
When sleep is disrupted, the body and brain fail to complete essential restorative processes, leading to emotional instability and cognitive decline. Sleep deprivation affects hormone regulation, mood, and energy levels, creating a cycle that worsens over time. The effects of poor sleep on your emotional well-being are outlined below:
Hormonal Imbalance
Lack of sleep disrupts cortisol and melatonin levels, increasing stress and reducing relaxation. This imbalance makes it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep, creating a vicious cycle. Over time, hormonal changes can lead to fatigue, anxiety, and mood swings, amplifying the feeling of being “off.”
Cognitive Decline
Emotional Instability
Physical Health Impact
How does therapy help?
By combining practical tools with psychological support, therapy empowers individuals to regain control over their sleep and improve overall well-being. The benefits of therapy for poor sleep are further explained below:
Identifies Root Causes
Therapy uncovers psychological or behavioural triggers behind poor sleep, such as stress or anxiety, enabling targeted solutions rather than temporary fixes like medication.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT-I)
CBT-I restructures negative thoughts about sleep and introduces behavioural changes, such as sleep restriction and stimulus control, which can improve long-term sleep quality.
Stress and Anxiety Management
Therapy teaches relaxation techniques, mindfulness, and coping strategies to reduce stress and anxiety, which are common contributors to insomnia and disrupted sleep patterns.
Improves Sleep Hygiene
Therapists guide clients in creating healthy routines, such as consistent sleep schedules, limiting screen time, and optimising the sleep environment, to therefore support natural, restorative sleep.
Addresses Co-occurring Conditions
Sleep problems often accompany depression or chronic pain. Therapy treats these underlying issues, leading to holistic improvements in mental and physical health.
Promotes Long-Term Solutions
Unlike quick fixes, therapy equips individuals with sustainable strategies and skills, ensuring lasting improvements in sleep quality and overall well-being.
What are the therapy options that Transformations Clinical Psychology can offer me?
Please contact us or follow this link if you would like to set up an assessment with a Psychologist at Transformations Clinical Psychology.
Meet Our Team
Meet our friendly and experienced team, here to help you with confidence and care.
Amy Wang
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We are here to support you
Please contact us or click on this link if you would like to see one of our experienced psychologists
FAQ
Q1. What happens in the first session? Do I need to prepare?
Your first appointment is 50–60 minutes. We’ll get to know you—what’s been hard, what you’d like to change, and what’s helped before. You’re welcome to bring notes or just come as you are; we’ll go at your pace. Please complete the online intake and consent forms beforehand. Sessions are available in person (Sydney) or via secure telehealth across Australia. We’ll finish with a clear plan and time for your questions. If you’re in immediate danger, call 000.
Q2. How do fees and Medicare/private insurance work? Do I need a GP referral?
You can book without a referral. If your GP provides a Mental Health Treatment Plan, you may be eligible for a Medicare rebate. We’ll check your eligibility and confirm your out-of-pocket cost before you commit. Private health (Extras) can’t be claimed with Medicare for the same session—please check your fund for coverage. If cost is a concern, let us know and we’ll talk through options.
Q3. Will my information be kept confidential?
Yes. Your sessions and records are kept private under strict legal and ethical standards. There are a few exceptions—if there’s a serious risk of harm, concerns about a child or vulnerable person, or a court order. If we ever need to share information, we’ll explain why, what will be shared, and involve you as much as possible.