Symptoms of Insomnia

Insomnia is defined by sleep trouble together with effects during the day.

Night-time symptoms

• Taking more than 30 minutes to fall asleep
• Waking often during the night and struggling to get back to sleep
• Waking much earlier than planned and unable to sleep again
• Sleep that does not feel refreshing

Daytime effects

• Tiredness, low energy and sleepiness
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions
• Irritability, low mood or anxiety
• Headaches and stomach upset
• More mistakes or accidents
• Worry about sleep itself

Signs that suggest another sleep disorder

• Loud snoring with pauses in breathing, gasping or choking at night, which suggest sleep apnoea
• Uncomfortable urge to move the legs in the evening, suggesting restless legs
• Acting out dreams or sleepwalking
• Falling asleep suddenly during the day

See a doctor if

• Sleep problems last more than 3 to 4 weeks
• Daytime tiredness affects work, driving or relationships
• You use alcohol or sleeping pills regularly to sleep
• You have symptoms of depression or anxiety

Get help urgently if

You have thoughts of harming yourself. Call 112 or the Tele-MANAS helpline at 14416, or go to the nearest hospital. Do not drive or operate machines when drowsy.

Key point

Long-lasting sleep problems with daytime effects deserve medical review.

Before your appointment

Keep a sleep diary for 1 to 2 weeks, noting bedtime, wake time, night awakenings, naps, caffeine and alcohol. List all medicines, herbs and sleeping aids you take. Mention snoring, breathing pauses, leg discomfort, pain, low mood, anxiety and daytime sleepiness while driving. Ask about CBT-I, tests, medicine options and the warning signs that mean you should call 112 or Tele-MANAS at 14416.