Common options include over-the-counter sleep aids (e.g., diphenhydramine), prescription medications like benzodiazepines, and newer medications like Artvigil 150mg and Waklert 150mg.

What is insomnia?

Insomnia is a sleep disorder in which people are unable to fall asleep or stay asleep. Most Australians experience insomnia at some point in their lives, and about 1 in 10 people have at least mild insomnia at any given time. It is more common in women and elderly people.

Insomnia can include:

• difficulty getting to sleep
• waking up during the night and having trouble going back to sleep
• waking up too early

Sometimes people experience all three.

Some people experience insomnia for a short time, for example when they are worried or stressed. But sometimes insomnia is chronic (called chronic insomnia disorder), meaning people have trouble falling or staying asleep for at least 3 months, along with being impaired during the day.

What are the symptoms of insomnia?

People experience insomnia differently. Some of the symptoms of insomnia are:

• having difficulty falling asleep
• waking a lot during the night
• waking up too early and being unable to go back to sleep
• not feeling refreshed when you wake up

Insomnia can lead to the following symptoms during the day:

• tension headaches
• feeling tired or being too sleepy to do normal activities
• poor memory and concentration
• worrying about sleeping
• feeling irritable or moody
• being hyperactive, aggressive or impulsive
• losing interest in doing things
• reduced energy and motivation
• feeling sleepy when sitting quietly

What causes insomnia?

Sometimes there is no underlying cause for insomnia. This is called primary insomnia.

Sometimes there is an underlying cause such as a general health condition, anxiety, depression or sleep disorder. This is called secondary insomnia.

Insomnia may be made worse by:

• poor sleep habits (sleep hygiene)
• substances including caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, amphetamines and some prescription medicines
• stress, caused by work or financial problems, relationship issues or grief
• medical issues, in particular conditions causing pain, hormone changes (e.g. hot flushes and night sweats during menopause), and breathing, urinary or digestive problems
• mental health problems — insomnia can be a symptom of anxiety, depression or other disorders
• sleep disorders, including obstructive sleep apnoea, circadian rhythm disorders caused by irregular sleep patterns, restless legs syndrome and periodic limb movement
• life stage — elderly people are more likely to have insomnia
• shift work — people who work different shifts often do not sleep as well as those who work set hours during the day

When should I see my doctor?

It is a good idea to see your doctor if you are having trouble sleeping or you are having problems with your mood, feeling restless in bed, snoring badly or waking up not feeling refreshed. Keeping a sleep diary is a good way to track symptoms, which you can share with your health professional.

If they think you have insomnia, your doctor may refer you to see a sleep specialist or psychologist.