Trouble Sleeping

What is sleep disturbance?
Difficulty sleeping includes any disruption or change in your normal sleep pattern. This can include sleeping too much or not enough. Everyone has different sleep schedules and we all require different amounts of sleep to feel rested, but any sudden changes could mean that you might have sleep problems.

How do I know if I am having problems with my sleep?
Sometimes difficulty sleeping can happen suddenly. If you are having difficulty falling asleep at night, wake up frequently throughout the night, wake up early in the early morning hours (before you typically wake), or sleeping more hours than usual, then you might be showing signs of sleep problems. Sleep difficulty can occur for a few days if you are experiencing some type of life stressor, but you should not ignore your sleep problems if it is occurring for longer.

Other signs may include:
You might feel tired or lethargic during the day, causing you difficulty with work, school, or other daily tasks. Others might notice that you are irritable or just not yourself. Sleep problems are sometimes a symptom that something else in your body might be going wrong.

How can seeing a Psychologist help?
A psychologist can help you identify any changes in your life that might be contributing to your sleep difficulties. Sleep disturbance can be a symptom of other emotional problems that might require counseling or treatment. A psychologist can also teach you sleep hygiene techniques and other strategies to improve your sleep quality.