Before starting CBT-I, it is essential to have a comprehensive sleep assessment to confirm a diagnosis of chronic insomnia and rule out other sleep disorders such as sleep apnoea, restless legs syndrome, or circadian rhythm disturbance.
If you already have a confirmed diagnosis of insomnia, you may proceed directly to CBT-I.
If not, our clinicians can arrange your sleep assessment before therapy begins.
Chronic insomnia is more than just the occasional bad night’s sleep. It is defined as difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early, occurring at least three nights per week for three months or longer, and affecting daytime functioning.
It often leads to fatigue, low mood, poor concentration, and frustration about sleep, which can significantly impact quality of life.
The first-line treatment for chronic insomnia is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I), as recommended by NICE and international sleep medicine authorities.
While sleeping tablets may provide short-term relief, CBT-I offers lasting improvement without side effects or dependency.
It targets the underlying behavioural and cognitive causes of insomnia to restore natural, healthy sleep.
CBT-I is recognised internationally as the gold-standard treatment for persistent insomnia.
No – CBT-I is much more than sleep hygiene.
| Sleep Hygiene | CBT-I |
|---|---|
| General advice about healthy sleep habits | Structured, evidence-based therapy |
| May help mild sleep issues | Treats chronic insomnia effectively |
| Focuses on routines | Addresses thoughts, emotions, and behaviours that perpetuate insomnia |
Sleep hygiene (such as avoiding caffeine or screens before bed) can support good sleep, but CBT-I is a scientifically proven treatment for insomnia.
CBT-I retrains your mind and body to associate bed with sleep rather than wakefulness or worry.
It combines:
The goal is to help you sleep naturally again, without relying on medication.
At Private Psychiatry, CBT-I is delivered by clinicians with extensive experience in insomnia and behavioural sleep medicine.
We provide a structured, evidence-based programme designed for long-term results.
Your CBT-I package includes:
This ensures therapy is tailored specifically to you, not a generic online course.
Before starting CBT-I, all patients undergo a comprehensive sleep assessment with one of our clinicians.
This allows us to:
If you already have a confirmed diagnosis of insomnia, you can proceed directly to Step 2.
You will attend four structured CBT-I sessions, each lasting 60–90 minutes, conducted live with one of our insomnia specialists.
These sessions focus on:
One month after completing the four sessions, you will have a 30 minute follow-up appointment (included) to:
CBT-I is a structured and collaborative process that requires commitment – but the results can be transformative.
If you would like to book a sleep assessment or start CBT-I treatment, please contact our clinic.
Yes. You will need a sleep assessment to confirm that your sleep difficulties are due to insomnia and not another disorder such as sleep apnoea. If you already have a diagnosis, you can begin CBT-I directly.
Many people start noticing improvements within a few weeks, although it can take up to about two months for the full benefits to become clear.
Yes. CBT-I is highly effective even when insomnia occurs alongside anxiety, depression, chronic pain, or other health issues.
Possibly. As part of sleep scheduling, your clinician may adjust your bedtime and wake time to help stabilise your natural sleep rhythm.
You will have a follow-up session one month later to review progress and reinforce techniques. Many patients maintain improved sleep long after therapy ends.
General Enquiries
Email: info@privatepsychiatry.co.uk
Telephone: 020 3930 1967
Administrative support is available by phone and email Monday to Friday
9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Monday – Friday: 9:00 am – 8:00 pm
Saturday – Sunday: 9:00 am – 8:00 pm
