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Dr Anna Clarkson PhD, PG Dip Clin Psych, MNZCCP Clinical Psychologist, Centre for Human Potential, Nelson, NZ |
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Anna trained as a clinical psychologist at the
University of Auckland, attaining a PhD in Psychology and a Postgraduate
Diploma in Clinical Psychology. Anna has a particular interest in the
psychological treatment of trauma. She also specializes in the treatment of
insomnia, and has worked closely with the New Zealand Respiratory and Sleep
Institute. Anna’s work in psychological rehabilitation has involved extensive
work with physical injuries, pain and psychological management of pain
including interventions to address sleep difficulties associated with pain.
Intervening in the Cycle of Pain and Insomnia It is widely accepted that sleep and pain are associated and a bi-directional relationship has been assumed. However more recently, in examining the directionality and mechanisms underlying sleep and pain, studies suggest that sleep difficulties may precede and predict pain emergence and exacerbations. This suggests that sleep impairment may affect processes and mechanisms which foster vulnerability to emergence and maintenance of chronic pain. Research will be reviewed and discussed together with clinical implications and interventions for addressing insomnia within the context of chronic pain. |