What Is Insomnia and When Should You See a Doctor?
We all have restless nights from time to time. But when difficulty falling or staying asleep becomes a regular pattern, it could be insomnia—a common but often misunderstood sleep disorder affecting millions globally. In the UK alone, an estimated one in three people struggle with sleep problems.
In this article, we’ll explore what insomnia is, why it happens, its types, symptoms, and when it’s time to consult a doctor for help.
What Is Insomnia?
Insomnia is a condition characterised by persistent difficulty in falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early and not being able to go back to sleep. This can result in daytime fatigue, poor concentration, mood swings, and a reduced quality of life.
It’s not just about the number of hours you sleep, but also about how restful and restorative that sleep is. People with insomnia often lie awake at night worrying about not sleeping, which only worsens the cycle.
Types of Insomnia
There are two main types of insomnia:
- Acute Insomnia: Short-term sleep difficulty lasting a few days or weeks, often caused by stress, travel, or life events.
- Chronic Insomnia: Sleep issues that occur at least three nights a week for three months or more, usually requiring treatment.
Identifying the type of insomnia is key to choosing the right intervention.
Common Causes of Insomnia
Insomnia can stem from a wide range of factors, including:
- Stress and anxiety – Job loss, exams, family issues, or financial stress can disrupt sleep.
- Poor sleep hygiene – Irregular bedtime routines, excessive screen time, or caffeine before bed.
- Mental health disorders – Depression, PTSD, and bipolar disorder often impact sleep patterns.
- Medical conditions – Chronic pain, asthma, menopause, and acid reflux can keep you awake.
- Medications – Some antidepressants, antihistamines, and blood pressure drugs can affect sleep.
- Substance use – Alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine are all sleep disruptors.
Understanding the root cause helps guide effective treatment and lifestyle changes.
Key Symptoms of Insomnia
Signs that you may be dealing with insomnia include:
- Trouble falling asleep even when tired
- Waking up frequently during the night
- Waking up too early and not returning to sleep
- Feeling tired or groggy upon waking
- Daytime fatigue or low energy
- Difficulty focusing, irritability, or mood swings
If these symptoms persist for more than a few weeks, it’s worth consulting a healthcare provider.
Insomnia’s Impact on Health
Left untreated, chronic insomnia can have serious consequences:
- Weakened immune system
- Increased risk of depression and anxiety
- Impaired cognitive function and memory
- Weight gain and metabolic issues
- High blood pressure and heart disease
Sleep is essential for brain and body recovery—ignoring insomnia puts overall health at risk.
When to See a Doctor for Insomnia
While occasional sleeplessness is normal, seek medical advice if:
- You’ve had sleep problems three or more times a week for a month
- Fatigue is affecting your daily performance or mood
- You’re relying on alcohol or sleeping pills regularly
- You suspect an underlying medical or psychological issue
A doctor can assess your symptoms, rule out conditions like sleep apnoea, and recommend treatment options.
How Is Insomnia Diagnosed?
Doctors may use the following tools to evaluate insomnia:
- Sleep diaries tracking your habits and patterns
- Questionnaires like the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI)
- Sleep studies (polysomnography) for suspected sleep disorders
- Medical history and physical examination
Accurate diagnosis is essential for tailored treatment.
Treatment Options for Insomnia
There are several effective treatments for insomnia, depending on severity and cause.
1. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I)
This gold-standard, non-drug treatment helps reframe negative thoughts and behaviours related to sleep. It often includes relaxation training, sleep restriction, and stimulus control therapy.
2. Sleep Hygiene Improvements
Simple lifestyle tweaks that promote better sleep include:
- Keeping a consistent sleep schedule
- Avoiding screens at least an hour before bed
- Limiting caffeine after midday
- Creating a calm, dark, and cool sleep environment
3. Medications
In some cases, doctors may prescribe short-term use of sleeping tablets or suggest over-the-counter remedies like melatonin. However, these should never be a first-line or long-term solution.
Natural Remedies and Relaxation Techniques
- Herbal teas – Chamomile or valerian root can promote relaxation.
- Mindfulness meditation – Reduces racing thoughts and tension.
- Breathing exercises – Deep breathing before bed calms the nervous system.
- White noise – Gentle soundscapes mask distractions and help you fall asleep.
These approaches can be effective when paired with healthy routines.
Insomnia and Mental Health
There is a strong connection between insomnia and mental health. Poor sleep can worsen anxiety and depression—and vice versa. Addressing sleep issues can often lead to improvements in overall emotional wellbeing.
Internal Resources You Might Find Helpful
- How to Put Your Mental Health First
- Spiritual Aspects of Mental Health
- Browse All Ichhori Health Articles
FAQs About Insomnia
Q1. Is it normal to have a few bad nights of sleep?Yes. Occasional sleep troubles due to stress or illness are common. Chronic patterns, however, may signal insomnia.
Q2. Can diet affect my sleep?Absolutely. High-sugar or high-caffeine diets, late-night meals, and alcohol can all disrupt sleep.
Q3. Are sleeping pills safe?Short-term use under medical guidance can be safe. However, they’re not a long-term fix and may lead to dependence.
Q4. Can exercise help with insomnia?Yes. Moderate exercise during the day improves sleep quality—but avoid intense workouts close to bedtime.
Q5. What is sleep restriction therapy?It involves limiting time in bed to the actual time spent sleeping to consolidate rest and reset your sleep-wake cycle.
Final Thoughts
Insomnia is more than just a few sleepless nights—it’s a medical condition that deserves attention. With the right support, lifestyle changes, and professional care, restful sleep is within reach. If you’ve been struggling to sleep well and it's affecting your daily life, don’t delay—speak to a GP or sleep specialist.