Insomnia and Behavioural Sleep Medicine Clinic

What is insomnia?
Insomnia is difficulty in getting to sleep or staying asleep which can lead to tiredness and other symptoms. Insomnia is a common and very debilitating problem. It can affect how we function at work and at home. It can also affect our quality of life and our mental health.
What is the Insomnia Service?
The Insomnia Service treats people with sleep problems and related disorders.
The Insomnia Service treats people with insomnia, nightmares, body clock disorders, restless legs and related disorders. This is a comprehensive service with input from other specialities such as psychiatry, psychology and occupational therapy. The clinic also has links with other sleep and specialist services across UCLH.
Professional education and training
The RLHIM is also a teaching hospital and from time to time other healthcare professionals may observe in outpatient clinics as part of a training course. You do not have to have students present if you would prefer not to.
Your appointment
If you are unable to attend your appointment please let us know at least 48 hours beforehand so we can offer your appointment to someone else. If you do not attend your appointment without telling us we may refer you back to your GP. Following your treatment you will be referred back to your GP.
What treatments are available?
Most patients are offered a course of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy. This is a scientifically proven set of practical techniques to improve sleep. The therapy is usually done in small groups, but some patients may be offered individual sessions. The clinic also works with GPs to offer advice on sleeping pills and other medications that might affect sleep. After finishing the treatment you will have another session with a clinician to discuss whether you need further help.
What should I expect when I come to the clinic?
You will be seen by a doctor who will do a thorough assessment of your insomnia.
You will be seen by a doctor or psychologist who will do a thorough assessment of your insomnia. You will be asked about any other sleep disorders, medical conditions or mental health conditions that might be contributing to the insomnia. If you need further tests, we will arrange this. At the end of the session the clinician will discuss the treatment options with you and agree a treatment plan.