Private GP for Sleep Problems in London
Another night staring at the ceiling. Another morning feeling worse than when you went to bed. Sleep problems affect everything. Your concentration, your mood, your health, your relationships. Yet somehow we treat sleep as optional.
Poor sleep is not something to push through. It is a health issue with solutions.
When Sleep Problems Need Medical Help
Occasional bad nights are normal. But if you have struggled with sleep for more than three weeks, if daytime functioning is affected, or if you suspect an underlying sleep disorder, seeing a GP is the right step.
Sleep deprivation has serious health consequences. It increases risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and mental health problems. It impairs judgment and reaction time. It ages you faster. Taking sleep seriously is taking your health seriously.
Struggling to sleep? Message us on WhatsApp
Types of Sleep Problems
Insomnia means difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking too early. It can be short term, triggered by stress or life changes, or chronic, persisting for months or years.
Sleep apnoea causes breathing to repeatedly stop during sleep. You may not know it is happening, but symptoms include loud snoring, gasping during sleep, and daytime exhaustion despite apparently adequate sleep.
Restless legs syndrome creates uncomfortable sensations in the legs and an irresistible urge to move them, particularly at rest. It significantly disrupts sleep.
Circadian rhythm disorders mean your body clock is misaligned with your schedule. Shift workers and frequent travellers often struggle with this.
Sleep affected by other conditions. Chronic pain, anxiety, depression, menopause, and many medications can all disrupt sleep.
What Happens at Your Appointment
Your GP will ask detailed questions about your sleep patterns, bedtime routine, daytime symptoms, and general health. A sleep diary kept for one to two weeks beforehand is helpful.
Physical examination may identify factors contributing to sleep problems such as weight, airway assessment, and signs of underlying conditions.
Blood tests might be arranged to check for thyroid problems, iron deficiency, or other conditions affecting sleep.
Based on assessment, your GP will discuss the likely cause and appropriate treatment.
Book your sleep consultation via WhatsApp
Treatment Approaches
Cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia is the most effective long term treatment. It addresses the thoughts and behaviours that perpetuate poor sleep. Your GP can refer you or recommend resources.
Sleep hygiene improvements help many people. Consistent sleep and wake times, optimising your bedroom environment, limiting screens before bed, and avoiding caffeine and alcohol in the evening.
Medication has a limited role. Sleeping tablets work short term but are not a long term solution. However, short term use during acute stress or to break a cycle can be appropriate.
Treating underlying conditions. If anxiety, depression, pain, or another condition is driving poor sleep, addressing it often improves sleep.
Referral for sleep studies may be recommended if sleep apnoea or another sleep disorder is suspected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I try over the counter sleep aids first? Most over the counter options are antihistamines with limited effectiveness and daytime drowsiness. Proper assessment is more useful than self medicating.
Are sleeping tablets addictive? Some can cause dependence with long term use. Your GP will discuss appropriate short term use if medication is considered.
Could my sleep problems be sleep apnoea? Possible signs include loud snoring, witnessed breathing pauses, gasping awake, morning headaches, and extreme daytime tiredness. A sleep study confirms diagnosis.
How long before treatment helps? Sleep hygiene changes and CBT take time but produce lasting improvement. You should notice progress within a few weeks of consistent effort.
Good sleep is not a luxury. It is essential for health and function.