What should you know about insomnia?

Insomnia may involve taking a long time to fall asleep, waking repeatedly, waking too early, or sleeping without feeling restored. A temporary change can follow travel, stress, pain, illness, or a disrupted routine. Ongoing insomnia can occur alongside anxiety, depression, burnout, or jet lag, and may be accompanied by daytime sleepiness or difficulty concentrating. Ask about the pattern, not only the total time in bed: a sleep diary can show triggers, habits, awakenings, and the effect on daytime activities.

Keep a consistent wake time and allow your body a regular chance to sleep. Make the bedroom dark, quiet, and comfortable; reduce stimulating activity and bright screens before bed. If you are awake and frustrated, leave the bed briefly for a quiet activity and return when sleepy. Avoid driving when very sleepy, and be cautious with alcohol or non-prescribed sleep products. A GP can discuss behavioural treatment for insomnia and check for contributing medicines or conditions.

Book a GP consultation when poor sleep continues, keeps returning, or affects work, mood, relationships, or driving. Seek urgent help if you feel unable to keep yourself safe, have thoughts of harming yourself, or develop confusion or extreme agitation with little or no sleep. Mention loud snoring, gasping, uncomfortable legs, pain, or unusual mood changes, because these clues may change the assessment.

What might be maintaining my insomnia? Would a sleep diary or behavioural treatment help? Could a medicine, mood change, breathing problem, or travel schedule be contributing? What should I do if daytime sleepiness makes driving unsafe?