A psychologist will help you discover whether you have a sleep disorder and what treatment is appropriate for your problem. Speak to a psychologist by calling 085-1308900 or contact us online.
Sleep problems
Everyone has a sleepless night sometimes. For hours you stare at the ceiling and just don’t fall asleep. If sleep symptoms persist then you may have a sleep problem.
When do you have a sleep problem?
You don’t immediately have a sleeping problem if you happen to have slept badly for two nights. You only speak of a sleep problem when you suffer structurally from insomnia and this also affects your daily life negatively.
Not everyone suffers from the same sleep complaints. Perhaps you spend hours staring at the ceiling and do not fall asleep. Another person suddenly falls asleep at random times during the day. Both disrupt sleep quality differently.
If symptoms persist and recur, you may have a sleep disorder.
How do sleep problems arise?
A sleep disorder is usually the instigator of your sleep problem, especially if your symptoms persist. But problems with sleep can also arise from psychological complaints, or pain.
- Sleep problems due to psychological complaints include depression, stress, chronic worrying or an anxiety disorder.
- Sleep problems due to physical complaints are, for example, pain or itching.
Symptoms
The most common characteristics of sleep problems are:
- Difficulty falling asleep or not being able to continue sleeping
- Waking up too early
- Feeling tired and sleepy during the day
- Sleeping at unusual times
- Unusual behavior while sleeping such as sleepwalking, nightmares, teeth grinding
- Less energy
- Difficulty with environmental stimuli
Other characteristics
- Difficulty remembering things
- Not getting into the dream phase, making you more tired the next day
- Being irritable and more emotional
- Little or increased appetite
- You may experience your surroundings more intensely
If these sleep problems persist for more than a few weeks, you may have a sleep disorder that requires treatment. In children, sleep problems can lead to behavioral problems similar to ADHD.
Risks
The main risks and consequences of sleep problems are:
Physical risks
- Reduced immunity and increased risk of disease due to disturbed hormone balance
- Increased risk of cardiovascular disease
- Increased risk of obesity and being overweight
Mental and emotional risks
- Concentration problems and impaired memory
- Irritability, emotional instability and gloominess
- Increased risk of depression
- Social-emotional problems in adolescents
Impaired performance
- Lethargy and lack of energy
- Poorer performance at work or school
- Increased risk of accidents due to decreased alertness
Other risks
- Sleep deprivation in adolescents can lead to suicidal thoughts.
- Sleep problems can lead to a vicious cycle of chronic worrying and insomnia.
Long-term sleep problems increase the risk of both physical and psychological complaints and disorders.
When to seek help?
We recommend seeking professional help when long-term sleep problems interfere with daily functioning. Do you recognize yourself in any of the following situations? Then get help.
- If sleep problems persist for more than a few weeks.
- If you feel tired, irritable or sleepy during the day and daily activities are no longer possible.
- If you suffer from concentration problems, decreased interest, irritability, tension complaints or gloominess.
- If self-help to improve your sleep hygiene does not help sufficiently.
More information
Find out more about insomnia and what a poor sleep rhythm does to you. Do you recognise any of the sleep problems and keep having a poor night’s sleep? The advice on how to improve your sleep quality may offer a solution.
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iPractice works with Blended care. This means that online support is interspersed with offline contact with a psychologist. Once every one to two weeks, you’ll visit an iPractice psychologist on site for a 45-minute consultation. Online support is weekly.
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Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is regularly used to discover if you have thoughts that disrupt your sleep pattern.
FAQ
What if I use sleep medication?
Sleep medication can help temporarily, but it is not a long-term solution. In therapy, we address the underlying causes of your sleep problems and work on building a healthy sleep structure.
How do I know if my sleep problems are psychological?
If you lie awake worrying, feel tense, or can’t stop your thoughts, it’s likely that psychological factors are involved. In therapy, we’ll explore this together.
Is it a problem if I sleep little but feel okay during the day?
Not necessarily. But if it becomes a recurring pattern or starts affecting your functioning, it’s important to seek help. Sleep is essential for recovery, memory, and mood.
Psychologists specialized in Sleep problems
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Get help from a Sleep problems psychologist
Contact one of our psychologists today without obligation. You can talk about feelings and symptoms. In addition, you will receive information about a suitable treatment that suits you.
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- Free, no-obligation treatment advice