When is mental health assessment recommended for insomnia?

Insomnia can be a condition on its own, a response to stress, or part of depression, anxiety, trauma, or another health problem. During an assessment, a clinician asks about falling asleep, waking during the night, early waking, naps, routines, substances, medicines, and daytime alertness. They may also ask about mood, worry, unusual energy, or experiences that feel disconnected from reality. This helps identify the pattern and the safest next step.

Arrange a review when poor sleep is affecting concentration, mood, driving, work, or relationships, or when self-help changes have not helped. Keep a sleep diary with bedtime, waking time, awakenings, naps, and daytime symptoms. Mention snoring, breathing pauses, pain, hot flushes, caffeine, alcohol, and all medicines. Learn more about [Insomnia](/conditions/insomnia/) and [Mental Health Assessment](/treatments/consultations-and-assessment/mental-health-assessment/).

Seek urgent care if sleeplessness comes with suicidal thoughts, inability to stay safe, hallucinations, severe confusion, or unusually high energy with risky behaviour. Do not drive if you are too sleepy to react safely. Use local emergency services for immediate danger; contact a clinician promptly when symptoms are rapidly worsening.

Ask what may be maintaining your insomnia, whether anxiety or depression should be assessed, and whether a physical sleep disorder or medicine effect needs checking. Discuss a sleep plan, therapy options, medicine risks, and the time to review progress.