Chronic Insomnia: Causes, Treatment and How to Sleep Better

Do you struggle to fall asleep, wake repeatedly during the night, or wake feeling exhausted despite spending enough time in bed? If these problems occur at least three nights a week for three months or longer, you may have chronic insomnia.

Chronic insomnia affects millions of people in the UK and can have a significant impact on your physical health, mental wellbeing and quality of life. The good news is that effective treatments are available, and many people can achieve better sleep with the right support.

What causes chronic insomnia?

Insomnia is often a symptom rather than the underlying problem. Common causes include:

• Stress and anxiety

• Depression

• Menopause

• Chronic pain

• Sleep apnoea

• Restless legs syndrome

• Certain medications

• Excess caffeine or alcohol

• Irregular sleep schedules and shift work

Identifying the underlying cause is often the key to successful treatment.

Why does good sleep matter?

Poor sleep affects far more than your energy levels. Long-term insomnia has been linked to:

• Reduced concentration and memory

• Low mood and anxiety

• Reduced work performance

• High blood pressure

• Heart disease

• Type 2 diabetes

• Reduced immune function

Improving sleep is an important part of maintaining both physical and mental health.

How can you improve your sleep?

Simple lifestyle changes can make a real difference.

Try to:

• Keep regular sleep and wake times, even on weekends.

• Avoid caffeine after lunchtime.

• Limit alcohol, especially in the evening.

• Stop using phones and tablets at least one hour before bed.

• Keep your bedroom cool, dark and quiet.

• Exercise regularly, but avoid vigorous exercise close to bedtime.

• If you can't sleep after about 20–30 minutes, get out of bed and do something relaxing before trying again.

For chronic insomnia, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) is considered the most effective first-line treatment and can provide long-lasting improvements without medication.

Are there newer treatment options?

Medication is not always necessary, but for some people it can play an important role alongside lifestyle changes.

A newer group of prescription medicines called orexin receptor antagonists works differently from traditional sleeping tablets.

Imagine your brain has a natural "stay awake" switch. In people with insomnia, this wakefulness system may remain too active at night. Orexin receptor antagonists help reduce this wakefulness signal, allowing your brain's natural sleep process to take over rather than simply causing general sedation.

One example available in the UK is daridorexant (Quviviq®). It is not a controlled drug in the UK and has not been shown to cause physical dependence or addiction when used as prescribed. Like all prescription medicines, it is not suitable for everyone and should only be considered after an individual medical assessment.

When should you seek medical advice?

Consider speaking to a healthcare professional if:

• Your sleep problems have lasted longer than three months.

• Poor sleep is affecting your work or daily life.

• You regularly feel exhausted during the day.

• You think anxiety, menopause, chronic pain or another medical condition may be contributing to your insomnia.

• You snore heavily or someone has noticed pauses in your breathing during sleep.

  
  

How Life Private GP can help

At Life Private GP, we take the time to understand why you're struggling to sleep. Your consultation may include assessment of underlying medical conditions, lifestyle factors, medications and mental wellbeing before discussing the most appropriate treatment options.

These may include sleep hygiene advice, behavioural strategies, treatment of any underlying condition, or prescription medication where clinically appropriate.

Take the first step towards better sleep

You don't have to live with poor sleep. Chronic insomnia is common, but it is also treatable.

If you've been struggling with persistent sleep problems, we'd be happy to help identify the cause and work with you to develop a personalised treatment plan.

Book a consultation with Life Private GP and start your journey towards healthier, more restorative sleep.

Disclaimer: This article is for general educational purposes only and does not replace personalised medical advice. Any prescription medication should only be used following assessment by a qualified healthcare professional.