Overview of insomnia and sleep disturbances
Insomnia is a common sleep disorder characterised by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking too early and being unable to return to sleep. Sleep disturbances can be acute (short-term) or chronic (lasting three months or longer), and they significantly impact daytime functioning, mood, energy levels, and overall health.
Insomnia can result from various factors including stress, anxiety, depression, medical conditions, medications, poor sleep habits, or environmental factors. Chronic sleep deprivation is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders, and mental health conditions.
Effective treatment for insomnia often involves addressing underlying causes, implementing cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), improving sleep hygiene, and in some cases, short-term medication under professional guidance.
Common symptoms
- Difficulty falling asleep at night
- Waking up during the night
- Waking up too early in the morning
- Feeling tired or unrefreshed upon waking
- Daytime fatigue or sleepiness
- Irritability, depression, or anxiety
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering
- Increased errors or accidents
- Ongoing worry about sleep
How our healthcare practitioners can help
Our healthcare practitioners provide comprehensive consultations to review your medical history, symptoms, and overall health. During your consultation, your practitioner will discuss your concerns, review your previous treatments, and explore appropriate management options based on clinical judgement and your individual needs.
Your practitioner will assess your sleep patterns, identify potential contributing factors, and discuss strategies to improve sleep quality. They will consider lifestyle factors, underlying medical conditions, and your personal circumstances when developing a personalised care plan.
Specific treatment options can only be discussed and decided during a private consultation with a qualified healthcare practitioner.
When to seek medical support
If insomnia persists for more than a few weeks or significantly affects your daily functioning and quality of life, it is important to consult a healthcare professional. Addressing sleep problems early can prevent them from becoming chronic and reduce associated health risks. For medical emergencies, call 000 immediately or visit your nearest emergency department.