Which Sleep Strategies are Most Helpful for You?
Seeing a Psychologist For Sleep Problems
It can be a huge step going to see a psychologist for the first time. Often, people put off seeking help. It is not unusual to want help with an issue that you have had for a long time, which is causing you a great deal of distress. Sleep difficulties are no different. People often underestimate the important role a psychologist can have with helping with sleep difficulties.
Whether it is depression, anxiety, sleeping difficulties, work stress or relationship concerns, you have probably already researched a bit on what may work for the average person. You may have even tried a few things already, with mixed results.
Some of these tips and tricks may be helpful for some people in some situations. However, it doesn’t mean that they are always helpful for you as an individual and fit in with your lifestyle, personality and responsibilities.
Strategies to Improve Sleep
There is a huge amount of advice about strategies to improve sleep. Yet, how should you decide what to do? Back in 2017, I tested out 25 different sleep strategies for two weeks each. I rated each strategy based upon four criteria.
- How scientifically supported is this strategy for the issue I want to improve?
- How easy is it to apply this strategy on a regular basis given my lifestyle, responsibilities and personality?
- How motivated and ready am I to make these changes and try out this strategy?
- How effective do I personally find this strategy to be?
Based on the four criteria, I scored each strategy out of 100 after my two weeks experimenting with it. I only scored four strategies above 80.
Read my next blog to find out which strategies I rated as most helpful.
In the meantime, if you are struggling to fall asleep or stay asleep, and you find this this is affecting you physically and emotionally and your performance at work or in important domains of your life you should consult a psychologist. I recommend booking in with a psychologist who has had some experience with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia. It is considered the first line treatment for chronic insomnia, and just as effective to sleeping pills for short-term benefits, and more effective than them for long-term benefits.
To book an appointment with a psychologist contact the Centre for Clinical Psychology (Carlton) 03 9077 0122, or book online www.ccp.net.au
