Psychology is a vast field with many specialties, each focusing on a different niche.
If youโre having trouble with your sleep schedule โ finding yourself lying awake in
bed for hours before you can fall asleep or waking up for no reason in the middle of
the night โ a sleep psychologist may be just what you need to change things for the
better.ย
But what exactly does a sleep psychologist do, and how can they help you get better
sleep? Stellar Sleep has everything you need to know about this unique branch of
medicine so you can decide if seeing a sleep psychologist is the right step for you.
What Is a Sleep Psychologist?
A sleep psychologist is a healthcare provider specializing in everything related to
sleep. With so many people dealing with sleep problems (either on a short-term or
long-term basis), a well-rounded approach is essential for successfully addressing
poor sleep for all demographics.
This approach doesnโt focus solely on the physical aspects of sleep issues (like many
general practitioners do). Instead, it blends the most current psychological
techniques with the basics of physical sleep medicine to address all of the factors
that can play a role in sleep disturbances.ย
Why Is Sleep So Important?
When you
donโt get enough sleep, youโre at a higher risk of developing a wide
spectrum of physical and mental health issues. Sleep deprivation โ especially when
lack of sleep persists for long periods โ can have a negative impact on your immune
system, decision-making, and mood, and can even contribute to the development of
chronic health conditions. Getting good-quality sleep is one of the best things you
can do for your body.ย
What Does a Sleep Psychologist Do?
The primary job of a sleep psychologist is to specifically focus on the mental
factors that can impact the quantity
and quality of sleep. This branch of psychology originated as a different
way to look at common sleep-related issues from multiple angles.
A sleep psychologist uses evidence-based medicine and a broad understanding of
sleep’s physiological and psychological aspects: Age-related changes to sleep,
sleep cycles, sleep disturbances, sleep regulation, and different interventions for
sleep disorders. They put this knowledge into practice by helping their patients
identify what may be causing their sleep issues and developing a customized approach
to help resolve them.
In addition, another part of a sleep psychologistโs job is looking at sleep hygiene โ
the habits and physical environment that surround and impact sleep. Factors like
room temperature, technology usage, room darkness, bed comfort, diet, and exercise
all affect how well and how long you sleep.ย
Many people donโt realize how much their habits are negatively impacting their
ability to get the sleep they need, and sleep psychologists can help sort through
them and find a solution. They can also recommend that patients pursue more
physiological treatments and tests, like sleep studies. Itโs this holistic approach
that makes this branch of psychology so effective.
What Is CBT-I?
CBT, short for cognitive behavioral therapy, is a popular method of psychological
โtalk therapy.โ CBT is known for being very structured and goal-focused, helping
people to identify and change any unhealthy or unhelpful behaviors, feelings, or
ways of thinking.ย
There are multiple subtypes of cognitive behavioral therapy, including CBT-I.CBT-I focuses specifically on using
cognitive behavioral therapy techniques to help people who are dealing with chronic
insomnia make the changes needed to improve their sleep.ย
Most CBT-I coaches focus on three factors that contribute to insomnia:
-
Conditioned Arousal: If you consistently associate your bed
with stress or insomnia, you may develop conditioned arousal, making it
difficult to relax and fall asleep in that environment.
-
Identifying and Eliminating โBadโ Sleep
Habits: Habits can include a lack of structured bedtime routines,
excessive screen time, or use of stimulants before sleep.
-
Reducing Sleep-Related
Stress: Stimulus control, evaluating foods and substances that may
interfere with sleep, and sleep restriction are some of the tactics employed in
this process.
Many people who undergo CBT-I notice changes in their sleep fairly quickly, sometimes
within just a few sessions. However, like with any change, consistency is key. CBT-I
isnโt a โcureโ โ it gives you the tools you need to continue to adjust.
How Is a Sleep Psychologist Different From a Doctor?
If both sleep psychologists and doctors manage the treatment of sleep disorders, what
makes them different as healthcareproviders? Letโs explore the key differentiating
factors.
Psychological vs. Physical Factors
While medical doctors focus on the physical factors that impact sleep (like sleep
apnea or circadian rhythm disorders), sleep psychologists focus on psychological
factors.ย
For example, sleep psychologists focus on the mental aspects instead of physiological
issues that may keep patients from getting quality sleep, like obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).ย
Narrow vs. Broad Focus
Sleep psychologists are also different from doctors because they have a narrow focus,
looking specifically at the psychological aspects of sleep and sleep disturbance.
While some doctors may perform some functions of sleep medicine, like prescribing
sleep medications, they also have a much broader focus.ย
When seeking treatment for sleep disorders or other related issues, why not turn to
the people who focus specifically on and have a passion for sleep medicine? Save
time and money by going right to the experts.ย
Root Cause vs. Quick Fixes
Another difference between sleep psychologists and primary careproviders is how they
choose to address the issue. While many GPs will give patients quick fixes โ like
sleep medications โ to help them artificially fall asleep, sleep psychologists take
a deep dive to look at the root cause of the issue.
Addressing the root cause leads to longevity. While a quick fix can temporarily stop
the problem, it will eventually return. When you can identify the actual reason
behind the issue, you can treat it in a way that helps find a permanent solution.ย
What Conditions Can a Sleep Psychologist Treat?
Although every sleep psychologist is unique, there is a list of common sleep-related
conditions that most address:
- Adherence to sleep-related medical interventions (like continuous
positive airway pressure/CPAP machines)
- Insomnia
- Narcolepsy (hypersomnia)
- Medical conditions with sleep disturbances as a side effect
- Parasomnias (bed wetting, nightmares, sleep terrors,
sleepwalking)ย
- Sleep disorders
- Sleep-relatedmovement disorders (teeth grinding, periodic limb
movement disorders, restless leg syndrome)
When Should You See a Sleep Psychologist?
The right time to see a sleep psychologist is when you recognize that youโre not
getting the best nightโs sleep possible. Taking the steps to get help allows you to
take charge and make proper changes.
Other reasons you should see a sleep psychologist include:
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Frequently waking up at night
- Gasping for air or snoring while you sleep
- Trouble falling or staying asleep at night
Everyone deserves a good nightโs rest. If you donโt feel youโre getting great sleep,
seeing a sleep psychologist can help you get there.ย
How Can You Start Seeing a Sleep Psychologist?
Seeing a sleep psychologist isnโt as complicated as you may think โ they are
available at the touch of a button.ย
So, how can you get started? Download our Stellar Sleep app,
where you can work with a CBT-I coach to
develop a unique plan of attack to address the areas that may be holding you back.
Sleep psychologists work in a variety of different professional environments,
including private practice, the hospital, and even online. This level of flexibility
ensures you are able to get help, regardless of where you are.
The Bottom Line
A sleep psychologist, especially knowledgeable in CBT-I, is one of the most effective
yet underutilized ways to ensure you get healthy sleep. Start by taking our free sleep quiz to see where your specific issues
may lie. You deserve your best nightโs rest, and Stellar Sleep is
here to help you do that.
Sources:
Why sleep
is important and what happens when you don’t get enough | APA
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia: An
Effective and Underutilized Treatment for Insomnia | PMC
Sleep
Quality, Mental and Physical Health: A Differential Relationship | PMC
What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Adults? | American
Thoracic Society
