Conditions we treat
Insomnia
Long nights, racing thoughts and groggy mornings wear a person down. Insomnia affects far more than energy — it reaches into mood, physical health and how you function during the day.
Understanding it
What is insomnia?
Insomnia is a common sleep problem. It can make it difficult to fall asleep, difficult to stay asleep, or cause you to wake too early and be unable to return to sleep.
Most adults need roughly seven to eight hours a night. Short-term insomnia lasting days or weeks is common; some people experience chronic insomnia lasting several months or longer.
Recognising it
Signs and symptoms
You do not need to recognise all of these, and you do not need to be at your worst before seeking care.
- Difficulty falling asleep at night
- Waking during the night, or waking too early
- Feeling unrefreshed on waking
- Daytime tiredness or sleepiness
- Irritability, low mood or anxiety
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering
What causes insomnia
Insomnia may be the primary problem, or it may result from another condition or a medication side effect. Short-term insomnia often follows stress, illness or a difficult event.
- Stress and life changes
- Chronic pain
- Anxiety or depression
- Other sleep conditions, including sleep apnoea
- Medications that interfere with sleep
- Irregular schedules and disrupted body clock
Our approach
How we approach insomnia
Care is personalised. What follows describes the approaches available — what applies to you is decided with your clinician.
A review of your routines, stressors, health history and goals
Cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I)
Adjustments to sleep schedules and habits
Relaxation and mindfulness strategies
Light and routine support for your body clock
A review of medications that may be affecting sleep
Medication options where clinically appropriate
Coordination of care for related concerns such as anxiety, depression or sleep apnoea
Common questions
Insomnia, answered
What is CBT-I?
Cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia is a structured, evidence-based approach that addresses the thoughts and habits that keep sleep disrupted. It is widely recommended as a first-line treatment for chronic insomnia.
Will I be prescribed sleeping tablets?
Not necessarily. Behavioural and routine-based approaches are often addressed first. Medication is one option among several and is discussed with you.
What if my sleep problem is caused by something else?
That is common, and part of what the evaluation looks for. Care can be coordinated for related concerns such as anxiety, depression or sleep apnoea.
Other conditions we treat
Take the first step.
Request an appointment online, or call the office and speak to someone directly.