When we are awake we all inhabit a common world, but when we sleep we are in a world of our own, a world of dreams, images and varying states of unconsciousness.
It’s a part of our lives where we have little control: we can’t make ourselves sleep or dictate our dreams.
For those who have trouble with either the quantity or the quality of their sleep, nighttime can be stressful. Lying in bed, exhausted but unable to sleep, worrying that you’re going to feel shattered the next day, is really distressing.
Through developments in neuroscience, we are beginning to understand what happens in the brain while we sleep. We now know there is an intimate relationship between sleep and psychological functioning. Sleep benefits our mood, memory and concentration.
There is also a converse relationship. Worry, anxiety, fear, depression and relationship issues can contribute to sleep problems. This can create a self-perpetuating cycle of sleeplessness and distress.
Sleep also plays an important role in our health. Our immune systems weaken in response to inadequate sleep, making us more susceptible to infections. Effects of sleeplessness on our nervous systems include anxiety, irritability and an increased propensity for stress.
When we are trying to fit a lot into our lives, sleep is often one of the first things to go. It’s easy to overlook the potential long-term health consequences of insufficient sleep, and the impact that inadequate sleep can have on one’s wellbeing.
Appointments available
Mondays to Fridays
7.30 am until 8.30 pm
Saturdays and Sundays
8.00 am until 6.00 pm
Call to book a first appointment
0333 207 9330
Connect with Us
Worry, anxiety, fear, guilt, depression and relationship issues can all contribute to ongoing sleep problems. So it is unsurprising that many clients coming to therapy because of problems in their waking lives also suffer from sleep issues.
An experienced psychotherapist can help determine underlying causes of sleep problems and help restore healthy sleep patterns. This may involve improving sleep hygiene, such as bedtime routines, as well as addressing the issues that are causing stress in the client’s life.
At your first appointment, your therapist will spend time understanding the specific problems you are having with sleep. Following this first appointment, you can choose to continue with ongoing appointments to address your sleep issues.
To book a first appointment with one of our experienced, empathic therapists, click here or contact us.
One of the most common worries I hear expressed by people starting counselling is that they won’t know what to talk about. Some people think their problems aren’t significant enough. Others fear they have too much to say, that they might overwhelm the therapist…
Read more
The study examined 9,000 English people over one month and found that those aged 50-64 who slept more than eight hours a night had poor memory and decision-making abilities similar to those who slept less than six hours per night. The optimal range of sleep for adults in this age range…
Read more
Nina is an integrative psychotherapist who creates a safe, non-judgmental space in which clients feel comfortable to explore their thoughts, feelings and patterns of behaviour Nina recognises that it can be useful to talk to someone outside your circle of friends and family to gain an understanding of your challenges and emotions She helps clients think about their...
Oxford Circus
Faith has two appointments available on Wednesday mornings Faith is a skilled and thoughtful psychodynamic counsellor with a postgraduate training from Oxford University She is passionate about creating a safe, non-judgemental and supportive therapeutic environment where clients can explore their most difficult experiences or parts of themselves Working at a pace that...
Oxford Circus
Gregory is a psychodynamic therapist offering both short-term and long -term therapy to individuals He appreciates how difficult it can be to seek help and therefore places great importance on creating a warm, empathic and safe space for clients to explore whatever is on their minds Gregory helps individuals uncover and understand the underlying patterns that shape...
Oxford Circus
Yussef is a psychodynamic psychotherapist who offers both long and short term personal therapy to individuals He has experience of working with a diverse range of clients and can provide a warm, confidential space to explore and gain insight into any past or present personal difficulties and experiences Yussef works with issues such as anxiety, depression, loss,...
Oxford Circus
Lara is an integrative therapist who offers short- and longer-term therapy to individuals Starting therapy can feel daunting, but Lara’s warm demeanour helps her clients feel more comfortable She creates a confidential and non-judgemental environment, which enables her clients to open up about their thoughts, feelings and experiences With empathy and curiosity, her...
Kensington / Notting Hill
Damla offers psychodynamic psychotherapy in a supportive and confidential environment where you can explore the emotions, behaviours and challenges shaping your life Her approach focuses on understanding the deeper, often unconscious factors influencing your thoughts and experiences Whether you’re navigating a specific situation or grappling with long-standing personal...
Oxford Circus
Michelle is an accredited psychodynamic therapist providing a calm and confidential space to allow her clients to unravel their deepest anxieties whilst feeling understood Michelle has particular experience working with adults experiencing bereavement and loss, anxiety, and depression Michelle also works with clients with work related issues, relationship issues and those...
Oxford Circus
As a psychodynamic therapist Shelley brings a wealth of experience to her work and supports her patients to talk about those aspects of their lives they are finding painful, upsetting or difficult to deal with, in a confidential, non-judgmental and peaceful setting Shelley is particularly interested in working with those who are experiencing depression, bereavement, high...
Bloomsbury
Evan is a psychodynamic therapist, offering both long and short term therapy He creates a non-judgemental and reflective space to help clients explore their difficulties and concerns Working together to understand the connections between past and current relationships, Evan supports clients in developing a deeper awareness of their recurring emotional patterns and further...
Oxford Circus
James is a psychosexual and relationship therapist who has been in private practice for five years He works with individuals and couples on sexual and relationship difficulties, understanding that these can be significant causes of distress in one's life Prior to working in private practice, James worked for the psychosexual team at Croydon University Hospital He is a...
Oxford Circus
Contact Us
One Therapy London
20 Great Portland Street
London W1W 8QR
0333 207 9330
© 2006-2024 One Therapy Limited
Company number: 11926181
