Sleep problems in adults: when to get help

Understanding common causes of poor sleep—and when it’s time to seek professional support

Tossing and turning at night? Waking up exhausted no matter how many hours you spend in bed? You’re not alone. Sleep problems in adults are incredibly common—but often go undiagnosed or untreated. While the occasional restless night isn’t usually a cause for concern, ongoing issues with falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking too early can affect your health, mood, and daily life.

Here’s what you need to know about the most common sleep problems in adults—and when it’s time to seek help from a sleep specialist or therapist.

Common sleep problems in adults

Sleep challenges can look different for everyone, but the most frequent issues include:

1. Insomnia

Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early without feeling rested. Chronic insomnia affects 10–15% of adults and is often linked to stress, anxiety, or poor sleep habits.

2. Sleep apnoea

A condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, often due to blocked airways. Common symptoms include loud snoring, gasping for air, and excessive daytime fatigue.

3. Restless legs syndrome (RLS)

An uncontrollable urge to move the legs—especially at night—often accompanied by uncomfortable sensations. RLS can significantly disrupt sleep and lead to chronic exhaustion.

4. Circadian rhythm disorders

Your body’s internal clock may be out of sync with your environment, leading to delayed sleep, early waking, or irregular sleep patterns.

5. Nighttime anxiety or racing thoughts

Chronic stress or mental health conditions like generalised anxiety disorder can trigger sleep-onset insomnia or cause frequent wakeups throughout the night.

When to get help for sleep problems

Many adults assume their sleep problems are just part of getting older or living a busy life. But persistent poor sleep is not something you have to accept.

Talk to a healthcare provider if:

You have trouble sleeping more than 3 nights a week for over 3 months
Poor sleep is affecting your work, relationships, or mood
You rely on alcohol, over-the-counter pills, or melatonin every night
You snore loudly or wake up gasping for air
You feel sleepy during the day despite spending 7–9 hours in bed

Sleep is a pillar of physical and mental health—just like nutrition and exercise. Ignoring ongoing sleep issues can increase the risk of depression, anxiety, heart disease, and cognitive decline.

Effective treatments are available

The good news? Most sleep problems in adults are treatable. Depending on the cause, your provider may recommend:

A sleep study or overnight monitoring (for sleep apnoea or complex cases)
CBT-I (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia)—the gold-standard treatment for chronic insomnia
Lifestyle changes and sleep hygiene education
Medications (short-term use, in some cases)

Final thoughts

If you’re one of the many people quietly struggling with sleep problems in adulthood, it’s important to know that better sleep is possible. The sooner you identify the issue and seek support, the sooner you can start feeling better—mentally, physically, and emotionally.

Don’t wait for it to get worse. If your sleep is suffering, it’s time to get help.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common sleep problems in adults?

Insomnia, sleep apnoea, restless legs syndrome, and circadian rhythm disorders are the most frequently reported adult sleep disorders.

When should I see a doctor about sleep problems?

If poor sleep persists for more than 3 nights a week over 3 months, or if it’s affecting your daily life, speak to a sleep specialist or GP.

What is CBT-I and how does it work?

CBT-I (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia) helps identify and change the thoughts and behaviours that cause chronic sleep problems. It’s widely recommended over medication for long-term results.