What should you know about non organic insomnia?

Sleep may be disrupted by worry, low mood, stress, burnout, travel across time zones, irregular schedules, noise, light, or habits that keep the brain alert. The effects can include daytime sleepiness, irritability, low energy, or difficulty concentrating. Insomnia can occur alongside another condition, so the label does not replace a review of medicines, caffeine, alcohol, pain, breathing symptoms, or mood.

Keep a simple sleep diary showing bedtimes, awakenings, wake time, naps, caffeine and alcohol. Keep a consistent wake time, use the bed for sleep rather than prolonged wakefulness, and get daylight and gentle activity during the day. Reduce bright screens and stimulating tasks near bedtime. If you remain awake and alert, move briefly to a quiet activity in dim light, then return when sleepy. A clinician may recommend cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia and review medicines or related conditions.

Arrange medical advice when sleep difficulty is persistent, affects work or safety, or comes with significant daytime sleepiness or concentration problems. Seek urgent help for thoughts of self-harm, severe agitation, confusion, or several nights of almost no sleep with unusually high energy. Do not drive if you feel too sleepy to respond safely.

Ask whether another condition or medicine is affecting sleep, whether therapy is suitable, and what sleep target and follow-up plan you should use.