Insomnia

Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep is a very common problem. In any one year 30% of the Australian population have difficulty sleeping.

What causes insomnia?

There are many reasons why people have difficulty falling asleep so it’s important to be carefully evaluated by your doctor to ensure there are no other contributing factors. Insomnia is usually a symptom of something, rather than a disease.

If insomnia persists over a month or more, it is called 'persistent insomnia' or 'chronic insomnia'.

Treatment for insomnia

People who suffer from insomnia often become frustrated or anxious about their sleeplessness, which contributes to their insomnia. It can help to stop expecting to sleep all night. Having less sleep may cause tiredness but will not cause harm.

Sleep hygiene refers to the behaviours we have around sleep. Some habits, such as watching television in bed or napping during the day can negatively affect our ability to get a good night’s sleep.

Treatment for insomnia usually combines changing behaviours and thoughts around sleep.

Pharmaceutical intervention is sometimes employed but is rarely successful in the long term unless behaviour and thoughts are addressed.