Almost everyone has the odd bad night. Insomnia is different: persistent difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking too early, despite the opportunity to sleep — and it takes a real toll on mood, concentration and health. The good news is that it’s very treatable.
What counts as insomnia
Insomnia is diagnosed when sleep difficulties occur at least three nights a week, persist for three months or more, and affect your daytime functioning. It can exist on its own or, very commonly, alongside another condition.
Why insomnia and mental health are linked
Sleep and mental health are tightly connected. Anxiety and depression frequently disrupt sleep — and poor sleep, in turn, worsens mood, anxiety and concentration, creating a cycle. Insomnia is both a symptom of, and a risk factor for, mental health conditions. That’s why treating sleep is often an important part of treating anxiety or depression.
Treatment: CBT-i comes first
The first-line, most effective treatment for chronic insomnia is not a tablet — it’s cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-i), a structured, evidence-based program that addresses the thoughts and behaviours keeping you awake (including sleep scheduling, stimulus control, and worry about sleep). It works for most people and its benefits last.
- Medication may have a limited, short-term role, but sleeping tablets aren’t recommended as a long-term solution because of tolerance and dependence risks. A doctor can advise.
- Treating underlying conditions — addressing co-occurring anxiety, depression or other issues is key to lasting improvement.
- Sleep foundations — consistent wake times, light exposure, and reducing caffeine and screens support recovery.
When to get help
If insomnia is persistent or tied up with your mood, it’s worth addressing properly rather than pushing through. Read about our insomnia care, or our online psychiatry service can assess sleep and any underlying conditions — book an appointment with a referral.
This article is general information, not medical advice. In a crisis, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or 000.