Sleep Retreat to help cure insomnia

Newly-opened and luxuriously appointed, The Sleep Retreat, based in rural Hampshire, offers people suffering from sleep issues, an innovative and clinical approach to insomnia with an integrated wellness, nutritional and social programme.

Recent UK studies have revealed that 37% of people suffer from insomnia and 24% from other sleep problems and disorders. A new health tourism centre seeks to be an innovative solution to help people who experience insomnia and sleep-related problems achieve long-term, good quality sleep.

A good night’s sleep is essential for both health and mental wellbeing. Sleep allows our bodies to rest, repair and re-energise. People suffering from a lack of sleep or sleep disorders such as insomnia and sleep apnoea, can experience poor concentration, irritability, immune deficiency and mental health problems such as anxiety, stress and depression.

Jonathan Grant, founder of The Sleep Retreat, has used his own experience as a former insomniac and teamed up with leading sleep experts, to develop an evidence-based programme that uses clinically proven sleep techniques to teach people with sleep disorders how to sleep again.

The clinical aspect uses Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBTI) in one-to-one and group sessions to equip its guests with the behavioural and psychological techniques they need for improved, long-term sleep. Sleep experts guide guests through the programme and arm them with the tools and strategy they need to get back on a sleep schedule and to experience natural good sleep.

This is combined with a course of wellness therapies. From sleep-promoting yoga stretches and relaxing aromatherapy massages, to a personalised exercise plan, each element has been designed with sleep in mind. During their stay guests are encouraged to explore the private 70-acre Riversdown Estate on one of the many cycling or walking trails. There are also two tennis courts and a nine-hole golf course for guests’ use throughout their stay.

The resident chefs have developed an imaginative and nutritional sleep-promoting menu using locally grown, organic ingredients. Foods that contain high amounts of tryptophan such as yogurt, milk, oats, bananas, peanuts and tuna feature on the sleep menu.

The Sleep Retreat offers a range of activities from art, music and aromatherapy to stimulate minds during the day and relax guests in the evening, ready for sleep.

The majority of patients respond to this treatment quickly, seeing improvements in sleep quality and total sleep time, as well as an increase in alertness, concentration, memory and productivity before they leave.