Overview

Over the past 2 years, the APS and the Australasian Sleep Association (ASA) have worked together to provide insomnia and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for insomnia (CBTi) education to over 2,000 Australian psychologists. This is the first webinar in this series that is informed by feedback from psychologists on additional sleep education needs and specific areas of interest.

Approximately 50% of people with insomnia report symptoms of anxiety/depression, and 90% of people with major depressive disorder report sleep difficulties. There is a substantial body of evidence demonstrating the benefits of treating insomnia in clients with comorbid anxiety/depression symptoms and diagnoses.

This webinar will provide information on navigating insomnia assessment and diagnosis in presence of comorbid mental health conditions, and providing recommendations on personalising treatment sequence and combinations.

Level of Learning

Foundational. This activity is targeted to those who are new to the topic.

Duration of access

Access to the recording and presenter slides is for 12 months from the date of confirmed registration.

APS CPD-Approved

This activity has been assessed against the APS Standards for CPD activities and approved for its education quality. Learn more about the APS CPD Approval process.

CPD Frequently Asked Questions

Refer to the APS CPD Frequently Asked Questions for general and technical information when undertaking APS Professional development activities.

Activity details

On-demand webinar recording

Related actvities

Insomnia management in clients with neurodevelopmental disorders

Insomnia management in clients with comorbid sleep apnoea

Insomnia management in children

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this webinar, participants should be able to:

• describe the impact of sleep difficulties on mental health,

• navigate the assessment and diagnosis of insomnia in the presence of comorbid mental health conditions, and

• outline the benefits of treating insomnia in clients with comorbid mental health conditions

Presenter(s)

Dr Alexander Sweetman, Dr Sara Winter

About the presenter(s)

Dr Alexander Sweetman (PhD) is a Senior Program Manager at the Australasian Sleep Association, chair of the ASA psychologist education committee, and has academic status at Flinders University, Bond University and the University of Western Australia. He has expertise in insomnia, co-morbid insomnia and sleep apnoea, and cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBTi). Dr Sweetman is currently leading a primary care education and implementation program with the Australasian Sleep Association to improve the management of sleep health and sleep disorders by Australian general practitioners, psychologists, nurses, and pharmacists. He has expertise in ‘co-morbid insomnia and sleep apnoea’ (COMISA) and has led the development of a 5-session interactive digital CBTi program, Bedtime Window, to improve access to CBTi.

Dr Sara Winter is a Clinical Psychologist with over 18 years experience, with a special interest in sleep disorders and chronic disease. Sara completed her PhD in the area of sleep disorders and health behaviour change and completed her clinical training at the University of Queensland in the area of Clinical and Neuro-Psychology. Sara has published in the areas of insomnia management, obstructive sleep apnoea, respiratory failure, treatment adherence and model of care redesign. Sara has a special interest and extensive experience in the psychological aspects of the management of sleep disorders. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Insomnia (CBTi) is the first-line recommended treatment for Insomnia (ACP Practice Guideline, 2016). Sara is a skilled clinician and trainer in this intervention modality. Sara is available for workshops and talks to small and large groups on the behavioural management of sleep disorders including CBTi, Motivational Interviewing and health behaviour change. She is also an approved AHPRA Psychology Board of Australia supervisor for all pathways to registration as a Psychologist, including the Clinical Registrar programme. Sara is a member of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT) SaraWinter | Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT).