When the night starts feeling like work

Insomnia Therapy

Clinical insomnia therapy using CBT-I to address fragmented sleep, racing thoughts, and the growing anxiety surrounding your nightly rest.

Clinical Overview

Professional insomnia therapy

Insomnia affects around 1 in 3 UK adults and can involve difficulty falling asleep, waking in the night, waking too early or never feeling properly restored. NICE CG33 and later sleep guidance recommend CBT-I as the leading first-line treatment for chronic insomnia, because it is more durable than relying on medication alone. CBT-I and related sleep-focused therapy can help reduce sleep anxiety, rebuild sleep drive and improve rest over 4 to 8 structured sessions for many people.

Prevalence

Around 1 in 3 UK adults experience insomnia symptoms

Gold-standard treatment

CBT-I, sleep restriction, stimulus control and cognitive sleep work

Typical recovery

Many people improve over 4–8 sessions of structured CBT-I

NICE first-line treatment

CBT-I is recommended ahead of long-term dependence on sleeping tablets

70–80% success

CBT-I is highly effective for chronic insomnia and often longer-lasting than medication alone

NHS insomnia guidance

1 in 3

UK adults experience insomnia or significant sleep difficulty

70–80%

People often see significant improvement with CBT-I

4–8

Sessions commonly used for structured insomnia treatment

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DM
Dr Martina Paglia

Clinically reviewed by

Dr Martina Paglia

Founder & CEO of Mind a Porter

HCPC-registered Clinical Psychologist

Special interests include anxiety, depression, trauma, OCD, burnout, workplace stress, relationship difficulties and high-performance mental wellbeing.

Last reviewed: 13 August 2026

All health information on Mind a Porter is clinically reviewed by our clinical lead. These resources are educational and do not replace professional advice.

AI-ready summary

Insomnia affects around 1 in 3 UK adults and can involve difficulty falling asleep, waking in the night, waking too early or never feeling properly restored. NICE CG33 and later sleep guidance recommend CBT-I as the leading first-line treatment for chronic insomnia, because it is more durable than relying on medication alone. CBT-I and related sleep-focused therapy can help reduce sleep anxiety, rebuild sleep drive and improve rest over 4 to 8 structured sessions for many people.

Clinical perspective

How therapy restores natural sleep rhythms

Insomnia transcends the occasional poor night; it becomes a clinical concern when the inability to rest fundamentally disrupts your emotional resilience, cognitive clarity, and daily functionality. For many of our clients, the bedroom has transformed from a sanctuary into a space of high-stakes performance, where clock-watching and the internal pressure to 'succeed' at sleeping only deepen the cycle of fatigue and frustration.

Chronic sleep difficulty is frequently sustained by the very habits we adopt to cope—such as extended time in bed, irregular napping, or hyper-vigilance about wakefulness. These compensatory behaviors inadvertently reinforce the brain's association between the bedroom and arousal rather than rest. Our approach focuses on gently dismantling these cycles, shifting the focus away from forcing sleep toward creating the optimal conditions for it to emerge naturally.

CBT-I serves as a practical, evidence-based roadmap to recalibrate your sleep drive and quiet the anxious nervous system that keeps you awake. Through targeted behavioral adjustments and cognitive reframing, we help you lower the performance anxiety that defines your night-time experience. Our goal is to foster a sustainable, secure relationship with your internal body clock, allowing you to move through your days with renewed stability and confidence.

Understanding causes

What contributes to insomnia

Insomnia rarely has a single cause. It usually builds up from a combination of biological, psychological and environmental factors, and understanding your own pattern is an important part of finding the right support.

Biological factors: Genetics, brain chemistry, physical health and sleep patterns can all play a role in how insomnia develops and is experienced.

Psychological factors: Thinking styles, past experiences, personality traits and learned coping patterns can maintain or worsen insomnia over time.

Environmental factors: Stress, relationships, work pressure, life transitions and broader social or cultural factors often contribute to when and how insomnia surfaces.

Benefits

The benefits of Insomnia Therapy

A clearer understanding of what is keeping your insomnia going and why

Practical tools from cbt-i to manage triggers and setbacks in daily life

Reduced intensity and frequency of insomnia symptoms as the work progresses

Better sleep, focus and energy as insomnia stops dominating your day

More confidence in social, work and relationship situations

A therapeutic relationship you can return to whenever things feel harder

Identifying your sleep patterns

Signs that clinical support is needed

Sleep dysfunction often manifests as a bidirectional cycle of physical exhaustion and psychological strain. Recognizing these patterns is the first step toward reclaiming your nights.

  • Difficulty drifting off despite feeling physically drained
  • Waking repeatedly throughout the night
  • Waking before the alarm and struggling to return to rest
  • Feeling unrefreshed regardless of time spent in bed
  • Experiencing dread or heightened anxiety as evening approaches
  • Suffering from daytime brain fog, irritability or low focus
  • Persistent reliance on external aids or erratic napping
  • Increased emotional fragility caused by chronic sleep deprivation

When to seek help

When is it time to seek therapy for insomnia?

It is worth reaching out when insomnia is starting to affect your daily life, relationships or wellbeing. You do not need to wait until things feel unmanageable. These are the signs that professional support could help.

  • difficulty drifting off despite feeling physically drained
  • waking repeatedly throughout the night
  • waking before the alarm and struggling to return to rest
  • feeling unrefreshed regardless of time spent in bed
  • experiencing dread or heightened anxiety as evening approaches
  • suffering from daytime brain fog, irritability or low focus

Recognise any of these signs?

You don't have to figure it out alone. A 15-minute £1 discovery call can help you make sense of what's happening and what kind of support might help. Therapy for insomnia is available online or in person in London.

Proven approaches

Clinical approaches for lasting sleep

Our treatment framework relies on the leading principles of CBT-I, enhanced by nervous-system regulation to help you feel safe and ready for rest.

Sleep restriction and consolidation

A precise process to strengthen your natural sleep drive and reduce the time spent awake and frustrated in bed.

Learn more

Stimulus control therapy

Re-associating your bedroom environment exclusively with sleep, effectively reducing the internal noise that triggers alertness.

Learn more

Cognitive restructuring

Identifying and replacing the rigid beliefs about sleep that drive anxiety and perpetuate the cycle of exhaustion.

Learn more

Nervous-system regulation

Practical tools to help your body downshift from a state of hyperarousal to a calmer state conducive to deep, restorative rest.

Learn more

Fees & booking

Transparent pricing for insomnia therapy

50-minute sessions, online or in person across London
Fees set by each therapist and shown before you book
Private insurance accepted by many clinicians

Clients never pay more with us than going direct, and our therapists offer their best rates.

What to expect

What does a first insomnia therapy session look like?

A first insomnia session usually starts by understanding your specific sleep pattern in detail. Your therapist will ask about your sleep window, how long it takes to fall asleep, how often you wake, what time you wake in the morning, napping, clock-watching, caffeine, screens and what you do when you cannot sleep.

You may also explore what the bedroom has come to mean for you, including performance anxiety about sleep, dread as evening approaches and whether stress, anxiety, pain or trauma are feeding the hyperarousal. Earlier sleep history and any medication use matter because they shape what CBT-I would involve.

By the end of the session you should have a clearer understanding of what is maintaining the insomnia, what CBT-I involving sleep restriction, stimulus control and cognitive work would involve and what realistic improvement would look like. Most people leave feeling more hopeful that sleep can return without relying on medication.

Ready to take the first step?

Book a £1 discovery call, or browse therapists near you for insomnia therapy. Online and in-person sessions across London.

Why Choose Us

Why trust our team for sleep?

We provide a professional, structured pathway out of chronic insomnia that avoids the 'quick-fix' mentality in favor of durable behavioral change.

Evidence-based care

Therapists use thoughtful, structured approaches for insomnia, chronic pain and the emotional toll of ongoing symptoms.

Whole-person support

Care respects the physical reality of symptoms and the emotional weight of living with them day after day.

Tailored treatment

Support is adapted to your sleep pattern, pain profile, medical context and daily life demands.

Functional recovery

Therapy aims to improve sleep, coping, mood, independence and quality of life over time.

Insomnia Specialists

£1 Discovery Call
Clare Drea
Easy Booking
Woman King's CrossOnline via Zoom

Dr Clare DreaClinical Psychologist

BSc · MSc · DClinPsy · PGDip13+ years of experience

I am a Clinical Psychologist with over 13 years experience. I work with successful and accomplished individuals who may internally struggle with confidence, performance anxiety, low mood, relationship problems and trauma. I tend to work at depth, beneath the thinking mind to access emotions stored in the body, nervous system and subconscious. This is where long standing problems and patterns can genuinely be resolved. I use a combination of modalities including Brainspotting which is an advanced brain-body therapy that helps process and release trauma and stress held in the nervous system.

English
From £175 /session
£1 Discovery Call
Shabnam Hariri
WomanOnline via Zoom

Dr Shabnam HaririClinical Psychologist

DClinPsy16+ years of experience

I am a Chartered Clinical Psychologist registered with the Health and Care Professionals Council and the British Psychological Society. With over sixteen years of professional experience in mental health, I hold a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. Throughout my career, I have dedicated myself to supporting adults navigating the complexities of modern life. My clinical practice is rooted in providing a considered, evidence-based approach to a wide range of psychological challenges. I have developed a particular focus on supporting individuals through workplace-related difficulties, including burnout, imposter syndrome, and the pressures of career progression. Beyond professional stress, I possess extensive experience in treating social anxiety, low self-esteem, financial anxiety, and sleep disturbances such as insomnia. Whether you are facing specific professional hurdles or persistent personal challenges, I provide a sophisticated and confidential space for reflection and change. I offer therapy in both English and Farsi to meet your specific needs.

EnglishFarsi
From £240 /session
Ronak Motlagh
Easy Booking
WomanOnline via Google Meet

Ms Ronak MotlaghPsychotherapist

Masters in Counselling · Psychotherapy · Bachelors in Social…9+ years of experience

I am a registered psychotherapist with nine years of clinical experience, dedicated to providing a secure and reflective space for adults navigating complex personal challenges. Holding a Masters in Counselling and Psychotherapy alongside a Bachelors in Social Work, I integrate a range of modalities including Psychodynamic, Gestalt, Person-Centred, and Attachment-Based therapies. My practice is informed by a deep understanding of how past experiences and relational history shape our present-day behaviours. Throughout my career, I have supported clients through a wide spectrum of concerns, including anxiety, trauma, neurodivergence, and the impact of narcissistic abuse. Whether we are addressing chronic pain, workplace burnout, or the challenges of life transitions, my approach is tailored to your specific needs. I am fully accredited by the BACP and offer sessions in English, Farsi, and German, providing both individual and online therapy to ensure you feel supported throughout your process of change and self-discovery.

EnglishFarsiGerman
From £129 /session
£1 Discovery Call
Vanessa Abraham
Easy Booking
Woman MaryleboneOnline via Zoom

Ms Vanessa AbrahamPsychotherapist

PGDip · Certificate in Supervision17+ years of experience

I am a UKCP-registered psychotherapist with seventeen years of clinical experience, providing a dedicated space for adults navigating complex emotional landscapes. Holding a Postgraduate Diploma in Psychotherapy and a Certificate in Supervision, I work with individuals and couples to address a broad spectrum of challenges, including bereavement, relationship issues, trauma, and life transitions. My practice is informed by a diverse range of modalities, including Transactional Analysis, Gestalt therapy, and somatic approaches, allowing me to tailor my support to your specific needs. Throughout my career, I have supported clients through experiences of burnout, workplace stress, and existential crisis, as well as providing specialised LGBTQ+ support. Whether you are facing long-term personal struggles or navigating immediate life changes, I provide a professional, compassionate, and secure environment. My approach is rooted in deep clinical expertise, ensuring that our work together is both grounded and effective as we explore your path forward.

English
From £130 /session
£1 Discovery Call
Deepthi Kanjirathodiyil
Easy Booking
Woman Blackheath Royal StandardOnline via Google Meet

I am a HCPC-registered Clinical Psychologist with 15 years of professional experience across mental health and physical health services in the UK and India. Throughout my career, I have worked in diverse clinical settings, including the NHS, hospital systems, and private practice, where I support adults and seniors navigating complex life challenges. My practice is informed by an integrative framework, incorporating modalities such as CBT, psychodynamic therapy, ACT, and compassion-focused therapy to address issues ranging from ADHD, trauma, and PTSD to perinatal mental health and relationship complexities. I provide a dedicated, inclusive space for clients managing burnout, bereavement, chronic pain, and various identity-based concerns. By drawing on my extensive clinical background, I offer tailored, evidence-based support in English, Hindi, Tamil, Urdu, and Punjabi. I am committed to helping you navigate transitions, deepen your self-awareness, and develop sustainable coping strategies that foster a more meaningful and manageable way of living.

EnglishHindiTamil+2
From £110 /session
£1 Discovery Call
Zoe Onifade
Easy Booking
Woman Mill HillOnline via Zoom

Ms Zoe OnifadeCBT Therapist

PGDip · PGDip · MSc · PGCert · Level 3 Counselling Theory · …8+ years of experience

I am a BABCP-accredited CBT Therapist with eight years of clinical experience, providing a dedicated space for adults, couples, and seniors to navigate complex emotional challenges. My practice is built upon a strong academic foundation, including an MSc in Psychology and postgraduate diplomas in both High Intensity CBT Interventions and Behavioural Couples Therapy. I offer a comprehensive range of evidence-based modalities, including Trauma-Informed Therapy and Compassion-Focused Therapy, to support clients dealing with conditions such as OCD, PTSD, depression, anxiety, and body image concerns. Having worked extensively with individuals and couples, I hold specialist experience in perinatal mental health, relationship issues, and recovery from sexual abuse. My commitment is to provide a clinically credible, supportive environment where we can address the specific obstacles impacting your quality of life. Whether you are managing the complexities of grief, phobias, or self-esteem, I provide professional, structured care tailored to your unique circumstances.

English
From £90 /session

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What people usually ask about insomnia therapy

These are common questions from people who feel trapped in chronic poor sleep, sleep anxiety and growing exhaustion.

What is CBT-I and why is it recommended for insomnia?

CBT-I is the leading, structured psychological treatment designed specifically to treat chronic insomnia by targeting the root behaviors and thoughts that maintain it. Rather than providing temporary sedation, it builds the physiological capacity for long-term sleep recovery. It empowers you to break the cycle of hyperarousal that makes falling and staying asleep so difficult.

Can therapy really help if my sleep problem feels physical?

Biological and psychological factors are deeply intertwined in chronic insomnia, making both equally worthy of clinical attention. Therapy does not treat your experience as imaginary; instead, it addresses the way your nervous system interprets bodily sensations and the resulting anxiety that fuels sleeplessness. We help you calm the physiological reactions that trigger a state of constant alertness.

How long does insomnia therapy London usually take?

Most clients achieve significant and lasting results within 4 to 8 structured sessions of CBT-I. The pace is carefully managed to account for your individual history, lifestyle, and any comorbid factors like anxiety or physical discomfort. Improvements in sleep efficiency often become measurable within the first few weeks of implementation.

Do I have to stop sleep medication before starting therapy?

You are not required to stop or change your medication to begin working with us. Many of our clients participate in CBT-I while taking prescribed sleep aids, and we coordinate this process with your medical care. The ultimate goal is to increase your independence and confidence in your own ability to initiate and maintain rest.

What if insomnia is linked to stress, anxiety or pain?

Sleep issues often act as a barometer for stress, trauma, or chronic discomfort, meaning we never treat insomnia in a clinical vacuum. Our therapists are trained to address the underlying psychological drivers alongside the sleep-specific mechanics. By supporting your nervous system and managing emotional triggers, we create a more holistic path to meaningful restorative rest.

When should I seek therapy for insomnia?

It is worth considering therapy when insomnia is becoming persistent, distressing, or harder to manage on your own, especially if it is affecting work, relationships, sleep, confidence, or day-to-day functioning. You do not need to wait until things feel severe before asking for support. Early therapy can help you understand what is driving the pattern, reduce symptoms sooner, and decide whether focused online treatment, in-person therapy in London, or a broader clinical review is the most appropriate next step.

This page is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are concerned about insomnia, please speak with a qualified therapist or your GP. In a crisis, call 999 or Samaritans on 116 123.

The right therapist for Insomnia Therapy
is worth finding

Book insomnia therapy London support for chronic sleeplessness, night-time anxiety and a more sustainable path back to rest.

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£1 discovery call
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