Restful, restorative sleep is essential for both physical health and emotional wellbeing. Achieving it begins with expert assessment and trusted clinical care. The sleep team at Private Psychiatry includes highly experienced specialists who combine medical expertise with a deep understanding of how sleep disorders affect daily life. Every Sleep assessment is comprehensive, confidential, and individually tailored to identify the underlying causes of sleep difficulties and develop an effective, evidence-based treatment plan.
We offer both online and face-to-face Sleep assessments, allowing you to choose the format that works best for you.
Sleep Expertise You Can Trust
NHS Compliant Assessments
Fully Regulated by Care Quality Commission (CQC)
GMC-registered doctors with specialist training in sleep disorders
Comprehensive, evidence-based assessments based on detailed clinical evaluation
Personalised treatment plans addressing the root cause of sleep difficulties
Ongoing support and follow-up to promote long-term improvement in sleep quality
Read more about the sleep assessment process below and take the first step toward better, more restorative sleep.
I booked a virtual sleep assessment with Private Psychiatry’s Sleep Clinic through their website and the process was very straightforward. I had been struggling with insomnia for many years and it was incredibly difficult not being able to sleep properly or stop worrying about it.
Dr Bruna immediately made me feel at ease. She listened carefully, understood what I was going through, and gave me clear guidance using CBT-I and her knowledge of sleep. For the first time in a long while I felt hopeful that there was a way forward.
My sleep has improved a great deal since then and, most importantly, I no longer feel consumed by worry about my nights. I would highly recommend Private Psychiatry and Dr Bruna to anyone who needs help with their sleep.
Private Psychiatry Patient
Sleep Assessment Process
Step 1
Booking an Appointment
For an online Sleep assessment, visit our online booking page to book an appointment instantly.
For a face-to-face Sleep assessment, please contact us by phone or email. Our clinic is located at 10 Harley Street in Central London, and our team will assist you in arranging a convenient appointment time.
The foundation of sleep assessment lies in obtaining a comprehensive history from the patient. This includes exploring:
Sleep patterns: Duration, quality, and timing of sleep, including difficulties falling or staying asleep.
Daytime symptoms: Fatigue, excessive daytime sleepiness, irritability, and impaired concentration.
Medical history: Chronic conditions (e.g., cardiovascular disease, respiratory disorders), psychiatric disorders, medications, substance use, and family history of sleep disorders.
Lifestyle factors: Alcohol or caffeine consumption, exercise habits, and stress levels.
Sleep environment: Noise, light, and comfort of the sleeping area.
Step 3
Making a Diagnosis
Based on the information gathered, a diagnosis can be formulated using established criteria from diagnostic manuals such as the DSM-5 or ICSD-3. Common sleep disorders include insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), restless legs syndrome (RLS), narcolepsy, and circadian rhythm disorders.
Insomnia: Difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep, often associated with daytime impairment.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Characterised by recurrent episodes of partial or complete upper airway obstruction during sleep, leading to disrupted breathing patterns and excessive daytime sleepiness.
Restless Legs Syndrome: Uncomfortable sensations in the legs, particularly during periods of inactivity or rest, leading to an urge to move the legs.
Circadian Rhythm Disorders: Disruptions to the sleep-wake cycle due to alterations in the body’s internal clock, often resulting in insomnia or excessive sleepiness at inappropriate times.
Step 4
Recommending a Sleep Study
In certain cases where the diagnosis remains uncertain or there is suspicion of underlying sleep disorders such as OSA, a sleep study may be recommended. This can be done through:
Referral to a Sleep Clinic: General practitioners can refer patients to specialised sleep clinics, where trained sleep technologists can conduct comprehensive overnight polysomnography (PSG) or home sleep apnea testing (HSAT).
Private Sleep Study: Alternatively, patients may opt for private sleep studies offered by accredited sleep centres or clinics, providing timely access to diagnostic testing and interpretation.
Step 5
Tailored Treatment Plan
Once a diagnosis is confirmed, a personalised treatment plan can be developed, combining both therapeutic and medical approaches. This may include:
Medical treatment: Recommending or initiating treatments if deemed appropriate.
Lifestyle Modifications: Encouraging healthy sleep hygiene practices, regular exercise, stress management techniques, and avoidance of sleep-disrupting substances.
A structured private sleep assessment process, encompassing detailed history-taking, accurate diagnosis, and appropriate diagnostic testing when necessary, lays the groundwork for effective treatment planning and management of sleep disorders. Collaboration between general practitioners, sleep specialists, and patients is essential in optimizing outcomes and improving overall sleep health.
What distinguishes your private sleep assessment service?
Our assessments are consultant-led by a clinician from the Insomnia Clinic at University College London Hospitals (UCLH), one of the UK’s leading centres. You get the same level of expertise as in specialist NHS services, but with faster access and personalised care.
What does a private sleep assessment involve?
We carry out a full clinical evaluation, looking at sleep patterns, lifestyle, and relevant health factors. The focus is on insomnia and circadian rhythm disorders. Treatment may include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I), sleep hygiene advice, or medication. Regular follow-up helps track progress.
Do you assess conditions such as sleep apnoea or restless legs syndrome?
We do not treat sleep apnoea, restless legs, or narcolepsy directly. However, every patient is screened. If signs of a physical sleep disorder appear, we provide a detailed letter for your GP with recommendations for further tests, such as a sleep study.
How are ADHD and sleep difficulties managed together?
Yes. We are one of the few UK services that address both ADHD and sleep. Since the two often overlap, tackling them together improves diagnosis and treatment.
Will you communicate with my GP or other healthcare providers?
Yes. We share a clear summary with your GP and, where needed, coordinate with other specialists to ensure joined-up care.
