Insomnia

What is insomnia?

Sleep problems are a common problem. It often means that you have trouble falling asleep, waking up at night or waking up early in the morning. You may worry a lot and sleep problems are often linked to other mental health problems. Sleeping badly every now and then is not a problem, but if you regularly have trouble sleeping, it may be a good idea to seek help.

We spend about a third of our lives asleep and it is important that we get good quality sleep in order to feel good. Many people with sleep problems start to worry a lot about their sleep and fall into a bad pattern. They may feel tired, have difficulty concentrating and become easily irritated.

More than half of adult Australians are suffering from at least one chronic sleep symptom that is affecting their ability to live a healthy, happy life, new research shows.

A report commissioned by Sleep Health Foundation reveals how common symptoms of insomnia is across the adult population. It found almost 60 per cent of Australian people regularly experience at least one sleep symptom (like trouble falling or staying asleep), and 14.8 per cent have symptoms which could result in a diagnosis of clinical insomnia.

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Why do people have insomnia?

The reasons for sleep problems can vary. During crises, people often experience sleep problems for a short period of time, but it can also be triggered by general stress in everyday life. Sleep problems are also common if you have neuropsychiatric problems such as ADHD, have young children or are going through the menopause. There are also other mental health conditions, such as bipolar disorder or dementia, where sleep problems are common.

If you sleep badly at least 3 days a week and have done so for at least three months, you may develop insomnia, which is the diagnosis for more severe sleep problems. It can be treated and below is more about how you can get help.

How much sleep do you need?

For people with sleep problems, the question of how much they have slept is often very important. You may be counting hours, worrying and watching the clock. You can become preoccupied with sleep. The amount of sleep each person needs is individual and can vary between 6-9 hours per night.

We all have an internal clock that regulates our sleep rhythm and when you have sleep problems you are often not in your natural rhythm. Part of the treatment for sleep problems is about finding this rhythm again, but it is also important to remember that the body can adjust its own sleep. If you sleep badly one night, your body can regulate it so that you sleep more deeply the next night. So there is no need to worry too much.

Insomnia in children

Difficulty sleeping is quite common among children, and these difficulties can have different causes. They can vary in form and intensity depending on the child’s age and stage of development. Other factors include changes in the environment, stress and anxiety, medical conditions or overstimulation before bedtime. This can include difficulty falling asleep, night-time awakenings, nightmares and night terrors. Young children may also have difficulty falling asleep at bedtime. It is less common but does occur with sleepwalking and sleep apnea. If the problems are regular and affect everyday life, it may be a good idea to seek professional help.

Insomnia in parents

For most people, having a baby is a big change and a period where sleep can often be affected. A period of poor sleep is not dangerous, although it can be distressing, but around 20% of all parents experience chronic sleep problems. Sleep problems are common during the final stages of pregnancy. Once the baby arrives, they may sleep restlessly and this also affects their own sleep. They may also have difficulty adjusting to the change.

Some tips are to try to rest when the baby is resting during the day, share the responsibility if you are two parents, seek support from others close to you, try to accept the situation as it is and find other opportunities for recovery such as a walk, coffee with a friend or yoga. If you feel that sleep is affected a lot during the toddler years, you can seek help to get more support. If you are very worried, you can also seek treatment from a psychologist or a child health care provider.

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Symptoms of insomnia

Sleep problems are common, but if you sleep poorly, you may find it very difficult. Often the body can regulate how much sleep you need; if you sleep little one night, you can sleep more deeply the next night. The body is amazing that way. So you shouldn’t worry too much if you have sleep problems. But if you have symptoms of sleep deprivation, it can manifest itself like this:

• Fatigue during the day
• Sleep deprivation can lead to anxiety and depression.
• Problems falling asleep, waking up frequently during the night or early in the morning
• Mood swings and memory problems

Diagnosis of insomnia

If you have had sleep problems for a long time, you may have developed insomnia, which is the diagnosis for more severe sleep problems.. It also comes in different degrees of severity with mild to severe problems. It can be very difficult, but it is possible to get help and treatment. Insomnia means that you have:

1. Difficulty falling asleep and/or waking up often and/or waking up too early in the morning.
2. You function less well during the day
3. You are dissatisfied with your sleep and suffer from sleep problems.
4. Having sleep problems at least three nights per week on average
5. You have had these problems for at least three months.

Treatment for sleep problems and insomnia

There are both medical and psychological treatments that can be effective for people with sleep problems. Psychological treatment includes tools and strategies specifically designed to treat sleep problems and has been shown in research to be effective. A psychological treatment lasts between 4-8 sessions, depending on the severity of the problem and whether you also need to work on another problem such as stress. Anxiety is also treated during sleep therapy, as there is often a lot of anxiety associated with sleep. When treating sleep problems, it has been seen that other symptoms such as depression also improve. Treatment for sleep problems is:

• Cognitive behavioural therapy for sleep problems (CBT)
  CBT for sleep problems is an evidence-based method for improving sleep quality and reducing daytime fatigue. During treatment, you may complete a sleep diary and work on sleep hygiene and sleep routines. It also addresses anxiety and stress, including through mindfulness.
• Medical treatment
  In some cases, medication for sleep problems can be prescribed, but it is important to note that this should be seen as a temporary solution. If you want to try medication, talk to your doctor.

Managing sleep problems on your own can be a challenge. There are also many alternative treatments with natural remedies that many people use, and they can be helpful, but consulting a professional therapist can help you understand the underlying causes and create a tailored treatment plan for you if you are experiencing a lot of sleep difficulties.

Taking a step towards better sleep and quality of life

If you or someone you know is experiencing sleep problems, help is available. Our licensed psychologists and therapists will help you every step of the way on your journey to better sleep and health. Don’t be afraid to take the step towards recovery, we make the hard things easier.