New Plymouth Sleep Clinic:
Your Guide to Taranaki’s Specialist Insomnia Treatment & Sleep Medicine Options
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For those living in New Plymouth and the wider Taranaki region, finding local, specialised care for sleep problems can be a challenge. The need to travel long distances for specialist appointments can often delay people from seeking the help they need to restore their sleep and wellbeing.
As a dedicated online sleep clinic, we bridge that gap by bringing expert, evidence-based treatment directly to you. You can now access a leading licensed sleep psychologists from the comfort of your home, receiving gold-standard care without the need for travel to Hamilton or Wellington.
This guide explains your options for sleep-related issues, what sleep medicine and behavioural sleep medicine (non-medication) options you have available and who you should see for effective treatment - helping you make an informed choice for your health.
Here’s what you need to know.
Are All Sleep Medicine Specialists The Same?
No. It's important to understand that there are over 80 distinct sleep disorders.
Some sleep conditions, such as obstructive sleep apnea are best treated by medical doctors (respiratory & sleep physicians), while others, like chronic insomnia, are best treated by sleep psychologists with specialised training in behavioural sleep medicine. Seeing the right expert for your specific problem is the key to effective treatment.
As licensed psychologists with specialised training in behavioral sleep medicine, our clinic focuses on the behavioural treatment of sleep disorders such as insomnia, using the recommended evidence-based, non-medication treatment: CBT-I.
Who Do I See For Trouble Falling Asleep, Staying Asleep, or Waking Early?
For chronic insomnia, the internationally recommended first-line treatment is a specialised therapy called Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I). This is a structured, skills-based program that addresses the root causes of the insomnia problem.
This treatment is best delivered by a sleep psychologist. A comprehensive CBT-I treatment program should always include:
A thorough 60-90 minute initial assessment.
Assessment that includes a minimum of 7 days of sleep diary analysis.
A structured, session-by-session format (typically 5-8 sessions).
Treatment that goes far beyond generic sleep hygiene tips.
Further recommended elements of insomnia treatment include:
Screening for co-occurring mental health conditions (like depression, anxiety, PTSD) and physical health conditions.
Insomnia Treatment Providers, New Plymouth & Taranaki
When looking for insomnia treatment in the Taranaki region, your options include:
The Better Sleep Clinic (Online): This is our specialty. We provide comprehensive, multi-component CBT-I to New Plymouth and all Taranaki residents via secure Zoom telehealth sessions. Our online model provides immediate access to a highly specialised field of psychology that is not widely available in regional New Zealand.
Local Services: A search for clinical psychologists in New Plymouth may yield options. We recommend you ask specifically if they have advanced training and experience in delivering multi-component CBT-I for insomnia disorder.
Who Do I See For Snoring, Breathing Problems & Daytime Sleepiness?
Snoring and sleep-related breathing disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnea are medical conditions best diagnosed and managed by respiratory physicians and sleep medicine doctors.
Most sleep clinics in New Zealand provide diagnostic testing for sleep-related breathing disorders and treatments like CPAP therapy. Services may include:
home sleep test (HSAT) to diagnose your condition;
overnight sleep studies in a lab with polysomnography (not commonly required but are the gold standard for diagnosing OSA and some other sleep disorders);
treatment options for your condition;
ongoing monitoring of your treatment to ensure your symptoms are under control.
Note that around 30% of people with OSA also suffer from insomnia. In these cases, research suggests the insomnia should be treated first, as improving sleep quality can improve adherence to medical treatments like CPAP.
Sleep Clinics in New Plymouth For Snoring & Respiratory Problems
For residents of New Plymouth and Taranaki, your GP is the best first point of contact if you suspect a breathing-related sleep disorder.
They can assess your symptoms and provide a referral to public services and private service. Service options include:
Taranaki Base Hospital (Te Whatu Ora Taranaki) - has a respiratory medicine service
Eden Sleep - has a local branch in New Plymouth
WellSleep in Wellington and NZ Respiratory & Sleep Institute (NZRSI) in Auckland is the next nearest private in-lab polysomnography providersor to private sleep specialists as appropriate.
Who Do I See For Parasomnias And Other Sleep Disorders?
Conditions like parasomnias (e.g., sleepwalking), Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) are traditionally managed with medications or devices, typically overseen by sleep doctors, or GPs.
However, these disorders often have a significant behavioural component, poor sleep in general, or co-occurring insomnia.
Support from a sleep psychologist is an emerging area for supporting treatment, especially when insomnia is present (see here for a small study on insomnia treatment in RLS). Working with a sleep psychologist can improve overall sleep quality, and help manage the mental health and wellbeing challenges these conditions present.
For NREM parasomnias such as disorders of arousal, sleep walking etc, behavioural treatments similar to CBT-I are gaining scientific support.
Nightmare disorder is treated by a sleep psychologist with training in CBT-n or CBT for nightmares.
Circadian rhythm disorders can be treated by a sleep medicine doctor, or a sleep psychologist.
Parasomnias, RLS, Circadian Rhythm Disorders Diagnosis and Treatment in New Plymouth and Taranaki Region
Assessment, diagnosis and treatment options for those living in New Plymouth and the wider Taranaki Region include:
Taranaki Base Hospital - has a respiratory medicine service
WellSleep in Wellington and NZ Respiratory & Sleep Institute (NZRSI) in Auckland is the next nearest private in-lab polysomnography providers
The Better Sleep Clinic - online session by session close support treatment for nightmare disorder, circadian rhythm disorders such as delayed sleep phase, shift work disorder, and parasomnias
CBT For Insomnia (CBT-i) In New Plymouth & Taranaki
Sleep psychologists from The Better Sleep Clinic are available by appointment online throughout New Plymouth and the entire Taranaki region.
We are New Zealand's leading specialist online clinic for insomnia treatment (check out our 5 star reviews).
Make a new patient enquiry to our intake team below or simply book your initial assessment appointment through our online booking portal to get started!
Find out more about our online services available throughout NZ, including all the major centres, like Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington, Hamilton and all the not so major centres (it’s online after all!).
Frequently Asked Questions: New Plymouth Sleep Clinic
Q: Is online sleep therapy as effective as in-person for Taranaki residents?
A: Yes. Extensive research confirms that CBT-I delivered via telehealth by a qualified psychologist is just as effective as face-to-face therapy. You receive the exact same structured, evidence-based treatment, with the added benefits of convenience and accessibility for anyone in New Plymouth and the wider Taranaki region.
Q: Do I need a referral from a GP?
A: No, a GP referral is not required. You can contact us and book an appointment directly, getting you on the path to better sleep sooner.
Q: How is your service different from basic sleep advice?
A: The Better Sleep Clinic provides comprehensive, multi-component CBT-I, which is the gold-standard treatment for chronic insomnia. This goes far beyond basic sleep hygiene tips. Our treatment involves a full 90-minute assessment, sleep diary analysis, and a structured, multi-session program tailored to your specific sleep issues.
Get In Touch!
Enquire about treatment with our intake team or simply book your initial assessment appointment through our online booking portal to get started on your journey to better sleep!