Insomnia is a condition characterized by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or getting restful sleep despite having the opportunity to sleep. It can affect daytime functioning, energy levels, concentration, mood, and overall physical and mental health.
Sleep and mental health are closely connected. Research shows that the relationship is bi-directional: mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other conditions can contribute to sleep difficulties, while persistent sleep problems can worsen mental health symptoms. Poor sleep and mental health concerns can therefore create a cycle in which each affects the other.
Occasional insomnia is common and can occur during periods of stress, illness, life changes, shift work, or disruptions to daily routines. However, ongoing sleep difficulties may signal an underlying health condition and should be discussed with a health-care professional.
Lack of restorative sleep can affect attention, memory, emotional regulation, and the ability to cope with stress in the short term. Over time, chronic sleep problems are associated with an increased risk of anxiety, depression, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes.
Effective management of insomnia often involves a combination of lifestyle changes, behavioural strategies, and, in some cases, medical treatment. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) is widely recognized as a first-line treatment. Healthy sleep habits, such as maintaining regular sleep and wake times, creating a restful sleep environment, limiting screen use before bed, and managing stress, can also support better sleep.
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