You shouldn’t ignore insomnia because it tends to turn from a temporary problem into a chronic one if left untreated — and its effects reach far beyond the night. Treating insomnia is not a luxury but an important health intervention. The good news is that there is a research-proven treatment, CBT-I, that helps most people return to stable, natural sleep without depending on tablets.
Insomnia tends to shift from a temporary problem to a chronic state if it is not treated in time. When treatment is put off, a cycle develops: heightened arousal, anxiety about the night, and ongoing impairment of daily functioning.
Why is it important not to put off treatment?
Without treatment, insomnia does not stay “just at night”. It affects:
- Concentration and memory
- Functioning at work and at home
- Emotional regulation
- Levels of anxiety and depression
- General physical health
Studies show that chronic insomnia raises the risk of mood disorders and worsening stress. Treatment is therefore not a luxury — it is prevention of future complications.
When should you seek treatment?
If you experience one or more of the following over several weeks, it is time to seek help:
- Difficulty falling asleep for more than 30 minutes
- Frequent waking in the night
- Waking early and unable to get back to sleep
- Tiredness and exhaustion during the day
The longer the problem lasts, the more firmly the habits that hold it in place become established.
What is the recommended treatment?
The first-line treatment worldwide today is CBT-I — cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia, recommended by NICE and the NHS. It is a short, focused, evidence-based treatment that includes regulating sleep and wake times, reducing physical and mental arousal at night, changing thoughts that raise anxiety around sleep, and rebuilding confidence in your natural ability to sleep. Unlike medication, CBT-I creates a stable, long-term change and does not create dependence.
Is treatment without medication possible?
Yes. In fact, international sleep bodies recommend starting with behavioural treatment before using sleeping tablets. Treatment without medication addresses the root of the problem — not just the symptom.
Frequently asked questions
How long does treatment take?
In most cases it is a process of a few weeks, with gradual and lasting improvement.
Is treatment suitable for all ages?
Yes. It can be adapted for adults and adolescents.
Does treatment help even if the problem has lasted years?
Absolutely. Even chronic insomnia responds well to tailored treatment.
Don’t wait for the problem to pass on its own
Treatment is the safest, most effective and best-established way to bring quiet back to the night and energy back to the day. The earlier you start, the easier it is to break the cycle. If the night has become a constant struggle, that is the time to seek professional, personalised help.
Take a short insomnia self-assessment or book a consultation with Dr Jonathan Kushnir, clinical psychologist (HCPC PYL042430).