Hospital’s innovative insomnia treatment helps patients across the south

The innovative treatment - offered by video - is the brainchild of one of the few insomnia clinics in the UK that is now helping patients from across the south.

The clinic team, based at the Royal Surrey County Hospital in Guildford, knew that their face-to-face cognitive behavioural therapy treatment would be on hold because of lockdown - and commissioned a set of five videos. The videos make up a comprehensive ‘virtual’ treatment plan

Louise Berger, who leads the insomnia service at Royal Surrey, said: “With studies showing a massive increase in complaints of insomnia due to Covid-19, this digital treatment programme is more valuable than ever.

“It follows our highly effective ‘BETTER’ sleep programme, which focuses on supporting the patient to understand their sleep condition, as well as providing proven methods to reset the body and retrain the mind.

“Insomnia is the most common sleep disorder, with 30 percent of the UK population complaining of regular difficulty falling or staying asleep.

“It can have a huge impact on the physical and mental health of the sufferer and negatively impact the quality of their life.

“Our new video treatment plan will mean that the team will now be able to treat and support our patients more comprehensively and with fewer delays.

“We know that this will make a positive difference to those who may be suffering.”

Alison, 53 a patient who has suffered with insomnia since 2014 has felt the benefit from the videos and said: “I am so grateful to be able to access my treatment online and the videos are brilliant.

“I loved them and have watched them all. I have also re-watched bits of them and taken notes.”