Sleep problems mean difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep or waking refreshed despite having enough opportunity to sleep. Short-term problems are common. When problems last for weeks, behavioural therapy for insomnia is usually the preferred treatment.
- Lying awake for a long time before falling asleep, waking often or waking too early.
- Light, restless or unrefreshing sleep despite enough time in bed.
- Get up at roughly the same time every day, even after a bad night.
- Only go to bed when sleepy and leave bed for a while if you lie awake for a long time.
- Make an appointment if sleep problems last several weeks or affect daytime functioning and safety.
- For urgent GP care outside normal opening hours, call HAP 9252. Call Ambulance 912 only for an immediately life-threatening situation.
Article status
- Version
- 1.0
- Purpose
- General medical information
- Last updated
- Sources consulted
- 8
Have you found an error or unclear information? Give feedback on this article.
General information, not personal medical advice
This article has been carefully prepared but may contain errors or become outdated as medical knowledge changes. It does not replace diagnosis, examination or treatment by your own GP. Always discuss personal questions and starting, stopping or changing medicines or treatments with your own GP.
For a life-threatening situation, call Ambulance 912. For urgent care outside office hours, call HAP 9252.
Read the full disclaimerYour response
Two anonymous questions
Did you find what you were looking for?
Do you now have a clearer idea of your next step?
Share article
Search by type of care, organisation, name or district.
