Good sleep is more than just rest—it’s a foundation for mental health. But what happens when a client’s sleep is affecting their progress, even if they’re not there to address their sleep?

In this episode Dr Natalie Stott speaks with CBT-i trained clinical psychologist, Dr Stuart Sadler. With 10-30% of people experiencing sleep issues, it's crucial to be equipped with how we can support our clients. This episode explores subtle ways to support clients facing sleep struggles without it being their primary focus. They cover the effects of medication on sleep architecture and the importance of prioritising quality over quantity of sleep. The discussion also includes strategies for weaning off sleep medication and small habit changes to improve sleep, despite long-standing issues. While sleep hygiene is commonly known, Dr Sadler highlights alternative tools like sleep diaries to support clients that might be struggling.

01:58 Understanding sleep medicine

04:27 Common sleep issues and their psychological links

09:02 Impact of medication on sleep

14:34 Practical tips for improving sleep

33:15 Additional resources and training

***Guest Info***

Connect with Dr Stuart Sadler on his website https://newcastlepsychologist.co.uk or at https://yorktherapyclinic.co.uk

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Disclaimer: The Mastering therapy podcast and the information provided by Dr Natalie Stott (Dclinpsych, HPCP reg), is solely intended for informational and educational purposes and should only be used by qualified professionals.