The Woolcock Clinic in Sydney specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of
sleep and breathing disorders, and offers state-of-the-art facilities. Patients can make appointments to see our world-class medical specialists and, if required, have diagnostic tests done at the same time, in the same building.
The Woolcock Insomnia Clinic is an important part of sleep health. We offer both adult and teen services.
Insomnia - The Facts
People with insomnia have trouble getting to sleep, staying asleep or waking too early. Insomnia often develops during times of high stress and most people will suffer from insomnia at some point in their lives. When symptoms last more than a month or you have used sleeping pills for longer than two weeks and feel you cannot get a good night’s sleep without them, then it is likely you have insomnia.
It is important to give yourself the opportunity to sleep. Most people need between 6.5 hours and 8.5 hours of sleep to function and feel that they can manage life adequately.
Insomnia impacts on daily life causing a lack of energy, irritability, poor performance at work, memory difficulties and concentration problems.
Treating insomnia reduces health risks and helps people feel better and more confident about their sleep.
Insomnia is common and recent research suggests that up to one third of the population may have at least one symptom of insomnia. Women report insomnia symptoms nearly twice as often compared with men.
The Woolcock Insomnia Clinic offers individual consultations and/or group workshops with insomnia specialists.
Individual Consultations
Highly qualified insomnia specialists are available for individual consultations and to assess whether you need further referral for some other sleep disorder.
The Insomnia Workshop
The Workshop is a specialised insomnia program based on international research. It involves two group sessions and two individual consultations which are designed to help you re-learn sleep and become confident about gaining control of your sleep. This method of treating insomnia involves cognitive behaviour therapy. Research shows it to be the most effective long-term treatment for insomnia. Participants are strongly encouraged to attend all sessions because research shows that being involved in all four sessions is a key part of making the necessary changes to improve your sleep. Participants are required to complete sleep diaries and each person will receive handouts and booklets to keep.
Session 1 - Learn About Sleep
This session explores the many myths surrounding sleep. You will be presented with factual information about sleep, sleep medications and the impact of poor sleep patterns on daily living. Participants will learn how to improve their sleep by doing ‘sleep things’ differently and by the end of the session you will have a better understanding of how to begin to get a better night’s sleep.
You will also learn how simple relaxation techniques can be used to slow the mind. Relaxation techniques need to become part of your daily lifestyle. All it takes is between 20 seconds and three minutes, two to three times a day to help you feel much better.
Session 2 - Managing and Improving Sleep
This session will focus on you becoming more aware of how your current thinking about sleep can impact negatively on your ability to sleep. You will be shown a number of different strategies to enable you to block some of that ‘busy brain’ at night. You will also develop your own individual sleep program based on what suits you in relation to managing sleep and lifestyle factors.
Sessions 3 & 4 - Individual Consultations
You will meet with an insomnia specialist who will assess your individual needs and history. These consultations focus on your sleep needs.
Handouts & Homework
All patients are given a number of booklets relating to healthy sleep habits (including sleep hygiene), relaxation, reducing anxiety and worry, monitoring sleep, strategies involved in changing behaviours, and increasing awareness about unhelpful thoughts linked with poor sleep. Patients are expected to complete sleep diaries and sleep homework.
Dr Delwyn Bartlett, Sleep Psychologist and Insomnia Specialist has produced a Relaxation CD specifically for people with insomnia. The CD is for sale at the Woolcock Clinic and is available at a reduced cost for individuals attending the insomnia workshop.