Condition information
Insomnia & Sleep Difficulties
Insomnia is persistent difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking too early, with daytime consequences. CBT-I (cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia) has strong evidence — often more durably effective than sleep medication.
Common experiences
- Difficulty falling asleep — lying awake 30+ minutes
- Waking during the night and difficulty getting back to sleep
- Waking too early — before you wanted to
- Sleep that doesn't feel restorative
- Daytime tiredness, irritability, or concentration problems
- Worry about sleep — dreading bedtime
Clinical notes
Australian context: About 1 in 3 Australian adults experience insomnia symptoms each year. Source.
Clinical coding reference: DSM-5: 780.52 · ICD-11: 7A00
This page is general information only. It is not a diagnosis or personal medical advice. A registered psychologist or doctor can help work out what is happening in your situation.
Questions people often ask
Should I take a sleeping pill?
Short-term medication can help in acute insomnia, but long-term it tends to lose effectiveness and can be hard to stop. CBT-I has more durable outcomes. Talk to your GP — and CBT-I is rebatable on Medicare with an MHCP.
How long does CBT-I take?
Most people see meaningful change in 6–8 sessions. Significant improvement is common within 2–3 weeks of consistent practice.
Need help deciding what to do next?
Reception can help you choose the right appointment type or clinician. If you feel unsafe or at immediate risk, use the urgent help page first.