Pharmaceutical Society of Australia

Sleep Problems

33 to 45 per cent of adults sleep either poorly or not long enough most nights. The amount of sleep we need depends on our age, lifestyle, diet, personality and environment. Newborn babies tend to sleep for around 16 hours out of every 24, while adults average 8 hours and the elderly sleep a little less. Sometimes it is difficult to get a good night’s sleep. Perhaps you are not feeling refreshed from sleep, feeling tired, irritable, anxious or depressed, or finding it difficult to concentrate, remember things and make decisions. These may be all signs that you have a sleeping problem.

Common sleep problems include:

• insomnia – difficulty getting to or staying asleep

• sleep apnoea – a condition that causes breathing to stop for short periods of time while sleeping

• restless legs – a condition that causes discomfort in the lower legs

• sleep behaviour disorders – sleep walking & night terrors. Insomnia is the most common sleep problem. It requires assessment to determine whether the cause can be identified and treated. Other sleeping problems, like sleep apnoea, may require treatment. Snoring can be a sign of an underlying condition such as obstructive sleep apnoea. Sleeping problems should be investigated.

Sleep can be improved by sleeping in a darkened, quiet room with plenty of fresh air, using a comfortable and supportive mattress and pillow. Avoid using electronic devices, such as mobile phones and computers immediately before sleeping. Pain or discomfort can also cause insomnia and should be investigated. Lifestyle choices can affect sleep. To improve your sleep health, try:

• winding down and relaxing before bedtime

• relaxation techniques

• regular exercise during the day

• consuming less alcohol & caffeine. Your local pharmacy is your health destination and can provide a range of products, which include:

• sleeping aids to relieve snoring

• prescription & over-the-counter medicines

• medicine advice

• healthy lifestyle tips to improve the quality & quantity of sleep

• services to help you lose weight

• services for sleep disorders (e.g. sleep apnoea).