When Sleep Won’t Come — Understanding, Diagnosing, and Managing Sleeplessness
Insomnia is one of the most common sleep complaints, affecting the ability to fall asleep, stay asleep, or wake feeling refreshed. While occasional poor sleep is normal, persistent insomnia can interfere with daily functioning, impact mood, and increase the risk of long-term health issues.
At IP Diagnostics, we help individuals better understand the root causes of their sleep difficulties, offering tailored assessments and practical next steps to improve sleep quality.
What Is Insomnia?
Insomnia is defined as difficulty falling or staying asleep despite having the opportunity to sleep. It can occur on its own or alongside other medical, psychological, or lifestyle-related conditions. Some people experience short-term (acute) insomnia triggered by stress or life changes, while others live with long-term (chronic) insomnia that lasts for months or even years.
Insomnia isn’t just about not sleeping—it’s about how sleep problems affect your daily life.
Common Symptoms of Insomnia
- Difficulty falling asleep at night
- Waking up frequently during the night or too early in the morning
- Struggling to fall back asleep after waking
- Non-restorative sleep (waking up feeling unrefreshed)
- Daytime tiredness or low energy
- Irritability, mood swings, or reduced concentration
What Causes Insomnia?
There’s often more than one contributing factor. Common causes include:
- Stress or anxiety
- Depression or mental health conditions
- Medical conditions (e.g., chronic pain, asthma, menopause)
- Poor sleep habits or inconsistent routines
- Medications that disrupt sleep
- Other sleep disorders, such as sleep apnoea or restless legs syndrome
Understanding the underlying cause is key to long-term relief, which is why a thorough sleep assessment is an essential first step.
How Is Insomnia Diagnosed?
At IP Diagnostics, our clinical team takes a comprehensive approach to insomnia. We begin with a detailed consultation to understand your sleep history, lifestyle, and any contributing medical or psychological factors. Where appropriate, we may recommend further testing to rule out other sleep disorders.
This might include:
- In-home overnight sleep studies (polysomnography): To detect co-existing conditions such as sleep apnoea.
- Actigraphy or sleep diaries: To monitor sleep patterns over time and highlight behavioural contributors.
Our clinicians will review all data and work with you to build a clear picture of what’s happening—and why.
Managing Insomnia: Evidence-Based Treatment Options
Effective treatment for insomnia goes beyond medication. At IP Diagnostics, we support patients in accessing the most effective, sustainable interventions available:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I): A structured, non-drug approach that addresses the thoughts and behaviours that maintain insomnia.
- Sleep hygiene coaching: Practical strategies to improve your sleep environment, routine, and habits.
- Referral for psychological support: If anxiety, trauma, or mood disorders are part of the picture, we can guide you toward additional support.
- Medical review: For those who may need short-term medication or where physical health factors are involved.
We work collaboratively with GPs, psychologists, and specialists to ensure your treatment plan is joined-up and tailored to your needs.
Why Choose IP Diagnostics?
At IP Diagnostics, we take insomnia seriously. Our approach combines clinical expertise, modern diagnostics, and personalised care to help you take back control of your sleep. With us, you can expect:
- Specialist-led consultations
- Convenient, at-home diagnostic options
- Rapid reporting and ongoing clinical guidance
- A clear path forward—whether your insomnia is recent or long-standing
Tired of feeling tired?
Speak with our team today to arrange an assessment or learn more about how we can help you overcome insomnia and start sleeping better.