When to see a GP about sleep problems
See a GP if you have had insomnia for 3 months or more. The same applies if poor sleep is making daily life hard to cope with. Some signs, such as pauses in breathing at night, sudden sleep in the day or sleep problems with low mood, need checking sooner. A GP can look for the cause and offer proven help.
Signs it is time to see your GP
Most short spells of poor sleep settle on their own. Book a GP appointment if any of these apply to you.
- Insomnia that has lasted 3 months or more, or is making life hard to cope with
- Changing your sleep habits has not helped
- Loud snoring with pauses in breathing, gasping or choking, and sleepiness in the day
- Falling asleep suddenly in the day, or muscles going weak when you laugh
- Acting out dreams, or night terrors that start in adulthood
- An urge to move your legs that stops you sleeping
- Night sweats or weight loss you cannot explain
- Nightmares that began after a frightening or traumatic experience
Signs that need help sooner
If ringing in your ears is keeping you awake, see your GP. Ask for an urgent appointment if the sound beats in time with your pulse. If tinnitus comes with sudden hearing loss, dizziness or a spinning feeling, go to A and E or call 999.
Sleep and mood are closely tied. See your GP if you feel low or hopeless most of the day, every day, for more than 2 weeks. Early waking with a loss of interest in things you used to enjoy is another sign. These can be signs of depression.
Perhaps you have had a baby and your mood has changed, or you can’t sleep even when you get the chance to rest. If so, talk to your GP, midwife or health visitor. If you are struggling to cope or feel unsafe, call Samaritans free on 116 123, day or night.
Sleep apnoea and narcolepsy
Sleep apnoea is when your breathing stops and starts in your sleep. A bed partner often notices it first, so take them along to your appointment if you can. It needs treating because it can lead to other health problems, and you may need to tell the DVLA.
Narcolepsy causes overwhelming daytime sleepiness and sudden sleep. Some people also get sudden muscle weakness set off by laughing or strong emotion. If you drive and are diagnosed, you must tell the DVLA.
Can a GP help with insomnia?
Yes. Your GP will first look for anything behind the problem, such as stress, pain, menopause or a medicine. You may be asked to keep a sleep diary for a week or two.
The main treatment for long-term insomnia is CBT for insomnia, known as CBT-I. It works on the thoughts and habits that keep you awake, and can be done face to face or through an online programme.
If another sleep disorder is suspected, your GP may refer you to a sleep clinic. Sleeping pills are rarely prescribed because of side effects and the risk of dependence. When they are used, it is only for a few days or weeks.
If you take sleeping pills now
If you want to come off sleeping pills, talk to your GP first and never stop suddenly. Stopping abruptly can cause withdrawal symptoms, so your doctor will plan a gradual reduction with you.
If you think any medicine is affecting your sleep, speak to your GP or pharmacist rather than changing it yourself. Some medicines can be adjusted or taken at a different time of day, but that is a decision for your doctor.
Support while you wait
The Sleep Charity runs the National Sleep Helpline on 03303 530 541 (Monday and Wednesday 9am to 11am, Tuesday and Thursday 7pm to 9pm). It is not a crisis line, so if you feel unsafe call Samaritans on 116 123.
If you live in England, you can refer yourself to NHS Talking Therapies for stress, anxiety or low mood without seeing a GP first. Before your appointment, it helps to jot down when your sleep problem started, what you have tried and anything a bed partner has noticed.
Where hypnosis fits
I want to be clear about where hypnosis fits. It is not a treatment for sleep apnoea, narcolepsy, restless legs or any other medical cause of poor sleep. It should never delay you seeing your GP. What I do is help people relax deeply, quieten a busy mind and break the habit of lying awake. Many people find this helpful alongside CBT-I and medical care. If you are under your GP’s care, let them know you are using hypnosis so it can sit safely alongside whatever they recommend.
Questions people ask
When should I see a doctor about insomnia?
See a GP if it has lasted 3 months or more, or better habits have not helped. Go too if it is affecting your daily life. Go sooner if you also have symptoms such as low mood, breathing pauses at night or sudden daytime sleep.
What will a GP do for insomnia?
They will look for a cause, may ask you to keep a sleep diary, and may offer CBT-I in person or online. They can refer you to a sleep clinic if needed, and only rarely prescribe sleeping pills for a short time.
What are the signs of sleep apnoea?
Loud snoring, pauses in breathing, gasping, snorting or choking in your sleep, waking often, morning headaches and feeling tired all day. A partner who has seen it can help describe it to your GP.
Can I stop my sleeping pills on my own?
No. Do not stop suddenly, as this can cause withdrawal symptoms. Talk to your GP, who can plan a safe, gradual reduction with you.
Want to work on it together?
If you would like one-to-one help to relax and sleep better, start with a £49 consultation call over Zoom. We talk through what is keeping you awake and whether hypnotherapy is right for you, and the fee comes off your first session. If poor sleep has lasted 3 months or more, please see your GP too.
Further reading: NHS: Insomnia · NHS: Sleep apnoea · NHS: Narcolepsy · The Sleep Charity: National Sleep Helpline