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Who Should I See for Insomnia?

Sleep Physician, Psychologist or Insomnia Specialist?

If you’re struggling with sleep, working out who to see can be surprisingly confusing. Do you need a sleep physician? A psychologist? Your GP? Or someone who specialises specifically in insomnia?

The answer depends on what's disrupting your sleep and the type of assessment or treatment you may need. Sleep is a broad field, and no single profession covers every aspect of it. 

Different sleep problems need different practitioners

Someone who snores heavily, stops breathing during sleep or has excessive daytime sleepiness may need investigation for a medical sleep disorder.
Someone experiencing significant depression, trauma or another mental health condition alongside their sleep difficulty may benefit from working with a psychologist or psychiatrist.
And someone whose primary problem is chronic insomnia may need a practitioner specifically trained in the assessment and evidence-based treatment of insomnia.

Different sleep problems need different practitioners

Someone who snores heavily, stops breathing during sleep or has excessive daytime sleepiness may need investigation for a medical sleep disorder.
Someone experiencing significant depression, trauma or another mental health condition alongside their sleep difficulty may benefit from working with a psychologist or psychiatrist.
And someone whose primary problem is chronic insomnia may need a practitioner specifically trained in the assessment and evidence-based treatment of insomnia.

The right practitioner depends on what’s affecting your sleep and the support you need

The right practitioner depends on what’s affecting your sleep and the support you need

What matters is appropriate training, competence, scope of practice and knowing when another health professional needs to become involved.

Frequently Asked Questions about who to see

How do I know whether I need an insomnia specialist, psychologist or sleep physician?

It depends on what is driving your sleep difficulty. If persistent insomnia is your primary concern, a practitioner specifically trained in insomnia and CBT-I may be appropriate. If there are signs of a medical sleep disorder, a GP or sleep physician may be needed. If significant mental health concerns are central to the problem, a psychologist or psychiatrist may be more appropriate. If you're unsure, we can discuss this before proceeding.

Is an insomnia specialist the same as a sleep physician?

No. A sleep physician is a medical doctor with specialist training in diagnosing and medically managing sleep disorders. An insomnia specialist focuses specifically on the assessment and treatment of insomnia. The professional background, qualifications and scope of practice of insomnia practitioners can vary, so it is important to look for specific training and experience in insomnia and CBT-I.

Do I need a referral to see you?

No. You can book an appointment directly without a referral from your GP. However, I work alongside GPs and other health professionals where appropriate and may recommend medical assessment if your symptoms suggest another sleep or health condition could be contributing.

You can book an appointment directly without a GP referral.

What happens if my sleep problem needs medical investigation?

If your assessment or symptoms suggest another sleep disorder or medical condition may be contributing, I will recommend that you speak with your GP or another appropriate health professional. This may include assessment by a sleep physician or further investigation such as a sleep study where appropriate.

Do you work with my GP, psychologist or sleep physician?

Yes. Sleep care is often best approached collaboratively. With your consent, I can work alongside your GP, psychologist, sleep physician or other treating health professionals where this would support your care, including sharing relevant information about your sleep assessment and treatment.

What if I’m not sure which type of sleep professional I need?

That’s completely understandable. Sleep problems can have many different causes, and it isn’t always obvious who the right person is to see.

You don’t need to work that out on your own. If insomnia appears to be the main problem, we can explore whether I’m the right person to help. If your symptoms suggest you need a sleep physician, psychologist, GP or another health professional, I’ll let you know and point you in the right direction.

Sometimes the best approach also involves more than one practitioner working together.
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