Things to remember

• Insomnia is a symptom, not a disease. The cause (or causes) of insomnia needs to be identified and corrected.

• Insomnia means having trouble with how well or how much you sleep.

• People keep themselves awake by worrying about going to sleep.

• Long-term chronic insomnia needs professional support and a lot of patience.

For more informationplease call 4220 7688.

Your GP can refer you to this program via secure fax (4226 6489)

or secure messaging

SLEEP BETTER:A Group Program

www.gph.org.au Suite 3, level 1, 336 Keira Street

Wollongong NSW 2500PO Box 1198 Wollongong NSW 2500

t 02 4220 7688 f 02 4226 6489

Sleep Better is funded by the Department of Health under the ATAPS initiative.Grand Pacific Health acknowledges support received from the Australian Government

Department of Health.

What defines a sleep problemDo you suffer any of the following?• trouble falling asleep• waking up frequently through the night• having trouble falling back to sleep• excessive thinking or worrying in bed• worrying about not sleeping• still feeling tired after sleeping• irregular or erratic sleepIf so, there are treatments that can help.The Sleep Better Group Program will teach you numerous strategies that promote longer and more restorative sleep. Talk to your GP about a referral.

Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) has been shown to be very effective in helping people with a wide range of sleep problems. It involves teaching you various strategies to achieve a longer and more restorative night’s sleep. We will help you establish a routine that prepares your body for sleep, and teach you ways to calm your mind at the end of the day. In the majority of cases, good results can be achieved without any medication.What does this group program involve?

Participants will attend 2 group sessions over 2 weeks, each lasting 1½ hours. You will also be asked to complete a sleep diary for 3 weeks, starting 1 week prior to the first session. This will help highlight the problematic patterns as well as the specific strategies that will help you.

How can psychological treatments help with sleep problems?

Is group or individual therapy best?

Evidence shows that group programs are very effective for treating a range of psychological problems, including sleep disorders.You will be given a self-help booklet, which enables you to do the majority of the program by yourself in your own home. The 2 group sessions are about reviewing your progress and sharing ideas with other people experiencing similar problems. What is the cost?

Our services are offered at no charge to you upon referral by an appropriate health provider. This program is funded under Access to Allied Psychological Services (ATAPS). Cultural sensitivity

We are committed to being sensitive to culturally diverse communities. We encourage you to advise us of any specific needs you may have.