Sleep Difficulties
Understanding problems with falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing restful sleep
We accept referrals from various health insurances including:
What are Sleep Difficulties
Sleep difficulties are common and can affect both physical and emotional wellbeing. Many people experience problems such as difficulty falling asleep, waking frequently during the night, or waking too early and being unable to return to sleep.
Over time, poor sleep can impact mood, concentration, energy levels, and overall quality of life. It can also contribute to anxiety, stress, and low mood, creating a cycle that becomes increasingly difficult to break.
Flexible ways to access support
In-clinic therapy
Calm, confidential setting in Jesmond, designed for comfort, privacy, and a reassuring experience
Online therapy
Flexible and accessible sessions delivered securely from your home environment
How sleep difficulties develop
Sleep problems are often maintained by a combination of thoughts, behaviours, and physical patterns.
For example:
Worrying about sleep can make it harder to relax
Spending long periods awake in bed can disrupt sleep patterns
Changes in routine or lifestyle can affect sleep rhythms
Attempts to “force” sleep can increase frustration and alertness
Over time, the bed and sleep environment can become associated with wakefulness rather than rest.
Understanding these patterns is an important step in improving sleep.
Common experiences of sleep difficulties
People experiencing sleep problems may notice:
Difficulty falling asleep
Waking frequently during the night
Waking early and being unable to return to sleep
Feeling unrefreshed after sleep
Daytime fatigue or low energy
Difficulty concentrating or functioning during the day
Sleep difficulties can vary in severity and may fluctuate over time.
What therapy can help with
Therapy for sleep difficulties focuses on identifying and changing patterns that interfere with sleep.
This may include:
Understanding the factors affecting your sleep
Developing a consistent and supportive sleep routine
Addressing worry or overthinking at night
Learning strategies to improve sleep quality
Approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) are widely recommended and can be highly effective.
What to expect in therapy
Assessment and formulation
We begin by understanding your sleep patterns, routines, and any factors that may be affecting your sleep.
Identifying patterns
Developing strategies
Building consistency
Therapy always progresses at a pace that feels safe and appropriate for you.
Common misconceptions about sleep
“I need to try harder to sleep”
Sleep is not something that can be forced. Trying harder often increases alertness.
“I need a perfect night’s sleep every night”
Sleep naturally varies, and aiming for perfection can increase pressure and anxiety.
“If I don’t sleep, I won’t cope”
While sleep is important, people are often more resilient than they expect. Reducing fear around sleep can help improve it.
Benefits of therapy for sleep difficulties
Therapy can help you to:
Fall asleep more easily
Stay asleep for longer
Improve sleep quality
Reduce anxiety around sleep
Feel more rested and able to function during the day
Many people find that improving sleep also has a positive impact on mood and overall wellbeing.
Our approach
At northeast psychology, we provide evidence-based support for sleep difficulties that is:
Practical and structured
Tailored to your individual sleep patterns
Grounded in approaches such as CBT-I and mindfulness
Focused on long-term improvement
We understand how frustrating sleep difficulties can be and work with you to create realistic and sustainable change.
Is therapy right for you?
You may benefit from therapy if you:
Regularly struggle to fall or stay asleep
Feel tired or unrefreshed despite sleeping
Experience worry or frustration about sleep
Notice sleep difficulties affecting your daily life
If you are unsure, we are happy to help you explore your options.
Next steps
If you are considering support for sleep difficulties, we offer a free 15-minute consultation to help you decide whether therapy feels right for you.