Auckland Sleep Clinic:
Your Guide To Specialist Insomnia Treatment
& Sleep Medicine Options

Are All Sleep Medicine Specialists The Same?

If you're living in Auckland City or the wider Auckland region and struggling with disturbed sleep, poor sleep quality, or waking up feeling unrefreshed, you might be wondering which sleep clinic in Auckland is best for your situation, or wondering what treatment options are available for sleep disorders in tamaki makaurau.

So we've broken down your options and key points to consider when making your decision.

Why does it matter?

Well, the sleep medicine field is more complex than people often realise and that makes trying to improve your sleep confusing, especially when it comes to finding the right sleep specialists for your particular issues.

It can also be tough to locate a sleep physician or sleep psychologist in Auckland who has the experience, expertise, or specialized training in sleep medicine or behavioral sleep medicine to provide effective help.

So here’s what you need to know.

Are All Sleep Medicine Specialists The Same?

No. First, it's important to understand that there are over 80 distinct sleep disorders.

With such a wide range of sleep conditions, it makes sense that some are better treated by sleep medicine doctors (e.g. sleep apnea), while other common sleep disorders such as insomnia are typically treated by psychologists trained in behavioural sleep medicine (aka “sleep psychologists”). 

This is a crucial point, as many sleep medicine physicians will simply refer insomnia  patients to us, leading to wasted time and money, or in some cases ineffective treatment (“I went to a sleep clinic for insomnia 5 years ago, they gave me sleep hygiene advice….”).

Likewise, we refer suspected sleep apnoea patients onward (unless they have co-occurring insomnia, in which case the insomnia should be treated first).

As licensed sleep psychologists, our clinic specialises in behavioral sleep medicine. This means the behavioral treatment of sleep disorders, particularly insomnia, using evidence-based methods like CBT for insomnia (CBT-i).

Sleep Disorders We Treat

We work with adults suffering sleep disorders and associated mental health conditions such as sleep anxiety, generalised anxiety, depression and PTSD. We also see teens, and sometimes older children (12yrs +)

• Chronic Insomnia, Short Term Insomnia (CBT-i)

• Circadian Rhythm Disorders (Delayed Sleep Phase, Advanced Sleep Phase, Jet Lag Disorder)

• Shift Work Disorder

• Nightmare Disorder (CBT-n)

• Parasomnias (Sleep Terrors, Sleep-Related Eating Disorder, Sexsomnia, Other Disorders of Arousal)

• Restless Legs Syndrome (adjunctive sleep therapy for RLS insomnia)

• Idiopathic Hypersomnia (adjunctive sleep & mental health support, CBT-h)

• Narcolepsy (adjunctive sleep & mental health support, CBT-h)

• Obstructive Sleep Apnea CPAP Adherence Support

• CPAP Mask Phobia Treatment

We also offer a supported sleep medicine taper service for those unable to come off sleep medications.

We do not assess or treat:

• Snoring

• Obstructive Sleep Apnea

• Breathing-related sleep disorders

Feel free to ask us for an opinion or advice, but we will point you to other providers (see below).

Who Do I See For Assessment Of Trouble Falling Asleep, Staying Asleep, or Waking Early?

Insomnia is a sleep disorder by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking too early.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) is the primary treatment recommended for both short-term and chronic insomnia disorder (CID).

Sleeping pills are usually considered a backup option, and are generally prescribed only for short periods due to possible side effects and the risk of dependence.

It’s not widely known that chronic insomnia disorder is most effectively diagnosed and treated by a sleep psychologist, also called a behavioral sleep medicine specialist.

As a result, many medical professionals, including many sleep doctors and sleep medicine physicians, may not have the specialized training needed to provide CBT-I effectively. Their expertise is usually focused on treating sleep-related breathing issues like obstructive sleep apnea.

For the best results, you should expect that a specialist insomnia treatment service will provide:

• A comprehensive 60-90 minute initial assessment via clinical interview (no overnight sleep test required for insomnia).

• Assessment that includes a minimum of 7 days of sleep diary analysis.

• Screening for co-occurring mental health conditions (like depression, anxiety, PTSD) and physical health conditions.

• A session-by-session treatment format, often around 5-8 sessions, which studies show is the most effective "dose" for lasting results.

• Treatment that goes far beyond basic sleep hygiene advice, which is not an effective standalone treatment for chronic insomnia.

CBT-i treatment is not the same as sleep hygiene instructions you can find online. Read our blog to find out why sleep hygiene is not an effective standalone treatment for insomnia

Auckland Insomnia Treatment Providers

When looking for insomnia treatment in Auckland or the wider Auckland region, your options include:

• The Better Sleep Clinic - Our online sleep clinic provides specialist insomnia treatment NZ-wide via Zoom. We offer a comprehensive service including a full 90-minute assessment, sleep diary analysis, and close, session-by-session support delivering best-practice, multi-component CBT-I delivered by qualified psychologists.

• Local Psychologists & Sleep Clinics - If you prefer face-to-face treatment in Auckland, a search for clinical psychologists in the area may yield options. Likewise, some sleep clinics, such as Auckland Sleep, may provide options.

• Sleep Psychiatrists - Dr Tony Fernando is the only specialist sleep psychiatrist offering medication treatments for insomnia that we refer to. An online search may uncover other psychiatry options.

As you check providers, we recommend you specifically ask if providers if they offer full, multi-component CBT-I (not just basic sleep hygiene advice) and what their treatment structure involves (session by session? or just a “one off?”. Cognitive therapy components?). Always read google reviews.

Who Do I See For Support For Snoring, Breathing Issues, & Sleep Apnoea?

Snoring and sleep-related breathing disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), are best diagnosed and managed by respiratory physicians and sleep medicine doctors often in conjunction with respiratory and sleep physiologists.

These services provide diagnostic testing (like home sleep studies or in-lab overnight polysomnography) and medical treatments such as CPAP therapy.

Sleep Clinics in Auckland For Snoring & Respiratory Problems

Your GP is the best first point of contact if you suspect a breathing-related sleep disorder. They can provide a general assessment of your symptoms and provide a referral to public services or private specialists.

• Public Hospitals: Referrals can be made to sleep services at Auckland's major hospitals, including Auckland City Hospital (Te Whatu Ora Te Toka Tumai Auckland), North Shore Hospital and Waitakere Hospital (Te Whatu Ora Waitematā), and Middlemore Hospital (Te Whatu Ora Counties Manukau).

• Private Clinics: There are numerous private respiratory and sleep medicine clinics located across the Auckland region. Names include:

  • NZ Respiratory & Sleep Institute

  • Eden Sleep

  • Breathing & Medical

  • Awake NZ

  • Auckland Sleep

Each of these clinics has different strengths and we have referred or pointed people in the direction of each of these clinics at some point. We have also had referrals for non-breathing related sleep disorders from each of these clinics at some point as well.

Why Choose The Better Sleep Clinic Auckland?