GUEST: DR. ALISON BENTLEY - Medical Doctor 

 Anxiety, depression and burnout are on the rise … but could poor sleep be an overlooked root cause?

A new release from the Restonic Ezintsha Sleep Clinic highlights the strong and often underreported link between sleep and mental health. Dr Alison Bentley, medical doctor at the Johannesburg-based clinic, explains how sleep issues such as insomnia, sleep apnoea, and restless legs syndrome can trigger or worsen mental health conditions — and why many South Africans may be suffering without realising that sleep is to blame.
In response to this growing need, Ezintsha Sleep Clinic will be launching a dedicated insomnia assessment and CBT-I (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia) clinic this August. These face-to-face sessions - charged at medical aid rates - aim to offer long-term, non-medication-based support for those struggling with sleep and its impact on mental wellbeing.

1.   What is the relationship between sleep and mental health, and why is it often described as a “chicken-and-egg” situation

2.   Insomnia is something many people struggle with - but it’s not one-size-fits-all.

3.   What are the different types of insomnia, and how do they influence treatment approaches

4.   We’re seeing a lot of people turning to platforms like TikTok for mental health advice. What are the pros and cons of this trend when it comes to sleep-related information

5.   You’re launching a new insomnia and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia clinic this month what will it offer.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Types of Insomnia and How to Treat Them
 
Dr Bentley explains that insomnia – defined as getting too little sleep to function properly – is not a one-size-fits-all condition. Acute insomnia, often triggered by stress or illness, can become chronic if not treated early. Secondary insomnia occurs alongside conditions like arthritis, depression or anxiety. And when insomnia persists for three months or more, even after the original trigger is gone, it is classified as insomnia disorder – a self-sustaining condition that often requires its own targeted treatment.
 
While sleeping tablets may help in the short term, they don’t solve the root of the problem. For long-term improvement, Dr Bentley recommends Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBTI) – a proven, non-medication-based programme that addresses unhelpful sleep habits, thoughts and behaviours.