What is a Sleep Psychologist?

Behavioral care for sleep disorders

A sleep psychologist reviews the signs and symptoms of suspected sleep disorders, helps clarify possible diagnoses, and evaluates the behavioral, cognitive, and emotional factors that can cause or maintain sleep difficulties.

Care may include a detailed sleep assessment, education about sleep, and evidence-based treatments that do not require medication. Treatment often focuses on the thoughts and behaviors that perpetuate a sleep disorder and may be coordinated with a sleep physician or other healthcare professional. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia, or CBT-I, is one of the best-known treatments provided by sleep psychologists.

When consultation may be helpful

A sleep psychologist may help when sleep difficulties persist, interfere with daytime life, affect one’s mood, have not improved after consulting with one’s physician, or when current treatments cause concerning side effects. Treatment can also complement medical evaluation when another sleep disorder or health condition may be contributing.