Insomnia: when is it time to seek help?

We all have bad nights. But when insomnia becomes chronic, there are effective treatments that don't involve pills.

A bad night's sleep is normal. The problem starts when sleeplessness repeats and begins to affect daily life.

Chronic insomnia is defined as difficulty falling or staying asleep at least three nights a week for three months or more.

Chronic insomnia won't resolve through willpower alone. Fortunately, cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is highly effective and recommended as the first choice.

Unlike medication, CBT-I treats the causes — thoughts, behaviours and negative associations with sleep — and the results last long term.

If insomnia is already part of your routine, don't accept it as inevitable. A specialist assessment may be the start of well-slept nights.