Sleep disorder treatment
Struggling with restless nights and fatigue? Discover expert-led treatments for sleep disorders designed to help you regain restful, energising sleep.
If you’re finding it hard to get the restful, refreshing sleep you need, you’re not alone. Sleep disorders can affect people of all ages and backgrounds, and they can have a significant impact on your mood, energy and overall wellbeing.
At Priory, we offer specialist treatment for a range of sleep disorders. Our experienced clinicians take time to understand the root causes of your difficulties and create a tailored plan to help you improve your sleep and quality of life.
What is a sleep disorder?
Sleep disorders are conditions that regularly prevent you from getting enough good quality sleep. You might struggle to fall asleep, wake up frequently during the night, or find yourself feeling tired even after a full night’s rest.
The most common form of sleep disorder is insomnia, defined by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine as the inability to initiate or maintain sleep, or to obtain good quality sleep despite having the opportunity to do so, alongside daytime consequences such as fatigue, difficulty concentrating or low mood.
While occasional poor sleep is common, a persistent sleep disorder can impact your physical health, mental wellbeing, relationships and daily functioning.
Signs you may have a sleep disorder
Symptoms vary depending on the type of sleep disorder, but may include:
- Difficulty falling or staying asleep
- Waking up frequently during the night
- Unusual breathing patterns or noises during sleep
- Feeling excessively tired during the day
- Changes to your sleep-wake schedule
- Restlessness or discomfort while lying down
- Waking too early and being unable to fall back asleep
- Feeling unrefreshed despite having enough sleep
Common types of sleep disorders
Insomnia
Characterised by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking too early and not being able to get back to sleep. It can be short-term or long-term, and may be linked to stress, mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression, physical illness, lifestyle factors, or certain medications. Symptoms may include:
- Taking a long time to fall asleep
- Waking up frequently during the night
- Feeling unrefreshed after sleep
Sleep apnoea
A condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, often for short periods. This can lead to poor sleep quality, daytime fatigue and irritability, and may increase the risk of other health problems if left untreated. Symptoms may include:
- Loud snoring
- Waking up gasping or choking
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
Narcolepsy
A long-term condition that causes overwhelming daytime drowsiness and sudden attacks of sleep, often at inappropriate times. It happens when the brain’s ability to regulate sleep-wake cycles is disrupted. Symptoms may include:
- Falling asleep suddenly during the day
- Sleep paralysis
- Hallucinations when falling asleep or waking
Restless leg syndrome (RLS)
An uncontrollable urge to move the legs, usually accompanied by uncomfortable sensations, which often occur in the evening or at night. This can interfere with falling asleep and staying asleep. Symptoms may include:
- Tingling, aching or crawling sensations in the legs
- Relief from symptoms when moving the legs
- Difficulty falling asleep
Priory does not treat all of these conditions. If we are unable to provide treatment for your specific sleep disorder, we will signpost you to other trusted sources of help so you can still get the right support.
Causes of sleep disorders
- Mental health conditions such as stress, anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder
- Physical health conditions including chronic pain or respiratory problems
- Lifestyle factors like inconsistent sleep schedules, shift work, caffeine or alcohol use, and recreational drug use
- Medications with side effects that affect sleep patterns
- Genetics, in some conditions such as narcolepsy
- Age-related changes in sleep patterns or medical conditions that impact rest
Often, more than one factor plays a role.
How Priory treats sleep disorders
We start with a comprehensive assessment to understand your sleep patterns, possible causes, and any co-existing mental or physical health conditions. Your personalised treatment plan may include:
Sleep hygiene education
Practical strategies to improve sleep quality, such as creating a consistent bedtime routine, making your sleep environment more comfortable, and limiting stimulants like caffeine before bed.
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
A proven therapy that helps you change unhelpful thoughts and behaviours that may be contributing to your sleep difficulties. CBT for insomnia (CBT-I) is one of the most effective treatments for chronic insomnia.
Relaxation and stress management techniques
Learning calming strategies such as breathing exercises, mindfulness or guided relaxation can help prepare your body and mind for rest.
Addressing underlying conditions
If anxiety, depression, or another condition is contributing to your sleep problems, we can provide targeted treatment alongside sleep-specific support.
Self-help tips for better sleep
While professional treatment offers the best chance of overcoming a sleep disorder, small lifestyle changes can also help you get a better night’s rest:
- Keep regular sleep hours – go to bed and wake up at the same time each day, including weekends
- Create a relaxing environment – reduce light, noise and screen time before bed
- Exercise regularly – physical activity during the day can improve sleep quality (but avoid vigorous exercise close to bedtime)
- Find healthy ways to unwind – try reading, gentle stretching or listening to calming music before bed
Why choose Priory?
- Access to highly experienced therapists and psychiatrists
- Evidence-based treatments like CBT for insomnia
- Support for both the sleep disorder and any underlying conditions
- Flexible options, including outpatient, day care and online therapy
- Nationwide network of hospitals and wellbeing centres
If we can’t provide the specific treatment you need, we’ll help you find the right pathway so you can still get effective support.
Begin treatment today
If a sleep disorder is affecting your life, you don’t have to manage it alone. Effective, compassionate help is available.
Contact Priory today to arrange an assessment and take the first step towards better sleep.
