Insomnia plague hits Berwick

By Callan Date
A BERWICK psychologist is staggered at the high number of local residents attending her clinic with symptoms of insomnia.
Julie Brown has been practising at a Clyde Road medical clinic for the last 10 months and believes the increasing pace of life in places such as Berwick is contributing to the rise in troubled sleepers.
But with National Psychology Week (12 to 18 November) around the corner, Ms Brown wants to promote the help and advice that is on offer to people.
“It’s amazing how busy it has got since I have been here in Berwick and insomnia is really relevant to a lot of the people I treat in the area,” Ms Brown said.
Ms Brown said signs of insomnia include too little or poor quality sleep, which can be a result of continued restless sleep, and still feeling tired after getting seven to eight hours sleep at night.
She said several strategiesare used to treat insomnia – depending on the various signs the individual presents.
“There are practical strategies including education, relaxation as well as changes to the diet and other behavioural issues.”
Ms Brown said the increasing awareness of health issues such as insomnia and depression in the mainstream media is having a positive impact in reducing the stigma attached to the conditions.
And patients will also see the difference financially with a recent Federal Government announcement to rebate a percentage of their costs of 12 psychological visits a year.
National Psychology Week attempts to showcase the diverse ways in which psychologists enhance community wellbeing through a range of activities throughout Australia.
Anyone wishing to speak to Julie Brown about insomnia issues can contact her on 0413 405 331.