Sleep Consultation

Sleep Consultation

Sleeping well is essential to health, development and quality of life. When sleep is insufficient, irregular, fragmented or no longer restorative, it can affect physical and psychological well-being, learning, professional performance and family relationships.

The Sleep Consultation is aimed at the psychological assessment and intervention of sleep-related difficulties in infants, children, adolescents and adults. It follows an individualised approach, informed by the best available scientific evidence and tailored to the needs of each person and family.

When might it be helpful?

• Difficulty falling asleep;

• Frequent night-time awakenings;

• Insomnia;

• Insufficient or non-restorative sleep;

• Changes in sleep schedules;

• Sleep difficulties in childhood and adolescence;

• Resistance to going to bed or difficulty falling asleep independently;

• Circadian rhythm disorders;

• The need to develop healthier sleep habits.

Collaboration with other healthcare professionals

Psychological assessment of sleep is carried out within the scope of Psychology and, where clinically indicated, may be complemented by assessment from other healthcare professionals. A multidisciplinary approach allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the difficulties presented and supports an appropriate response to each person’s needs.

How is the intervention carried out?

The intervention begins with a detailed clinical assessment, aimed at understanding the characteristics of the person’s sleep, the history of the difficulty presented, and the individual factors that may be contributing to its persistence.

For sleep difficulties in infants and children, the intervention takes into account developmental needs and the family context, with strategies tailored to each child and their family.

For adolescents and adults experiencing insomnia, when clinically indicated, the intervention may include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I), currently considered a first-line psychological intervention for chronic insomnia.

CBT-I is a structured, evidence-based approach that aims to identify and modify the behavioural and cognitive factors that contribute to the maintenance of insomnia, promoting positive changes in the relationship with sleep and in sleep quality.

Whenever clinically indicated, the intervention may be coordinated with other healthcare professionals, including Sleep Medicine specialists, whenever this is considered appropriate to the person’s needs.

We genuinely believe that scientific knowledge only truly fulfils its purpose when it is placed at the service of people and of the community.

That conviction guides our clinical practice: an intervention based on the best available scientific evidence, carried out with rigour, ethical responsibility and respect for the singularity of each person and family.

You will not find universal solutions here, nor promises of immediate results.

You will find careful assessment, individualised intervention and a lasting commitment to the quality of the care provided.