When to worry about low mood with insomnia

Repeated difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep or waking too early can leave you irritable, flat and less able to cope. Low mood may also make bedtime worry and unhelpful sleep habits stronger. Consider the whole pattern, including snoring, breathing pauses, pain, caffeine, alcohol, medicines and changes in mood or energy.

Keep a simple sleep and mood diary. Wake at a consistent time, use the bed for sleep, reduce stimulating drinks late in the day and keep screens out of the wind-down period. Seek a GP review if insomnia continues, daytime concentration or driving becomes unsafe, or low mood limits normal life. Do not rely on alcohol as a sleep aid.

Seek emergency help if you may harm yourself, cannot stay safe, or are confused or unable to care for yourself. Contact local emergency services or attend an emergency department. Arrange prompt assessment for several nights with almost no sleep, unusually high energy with little need for sleep, severe agitation, or worsening ability to function.

Ask about behavioural treatment for insomnia, causes such as sleep apnoea or medicines, and whether your mood needs a separate assessment. Ask how to manage daytime safety and which treatments are appropriate for your health history.