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Condition guide

Insomnia

Insomnia means regularly having trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking too early and not being able to get back to sleep. It can leave you feeling tired, irritable and unable to function well during the day. Short bouts are common, but persistent insomnia is worth addressing with a doctor or pharmacist.

Reviewed by the Kam4eu Pharmacy Team on 21 June 2026 · Next review June 2027

Recognising the signs

  • Difficulty falling asleep despite feeling tired
  • Waking frequently during the night or lying awake for long periods
  • Waking very early and being unable to get back to sleep
  • Feeling unrefreshed, tired or irritable during the day
  • Trouble concentrating or low mood linked to poor sleep

Common causes

  • Stress, anxiety or worry, including work and money pressures
  • Poor sleep habits, such as irregular bedtimes or daytime napping
  • Caffeine, alcohol or nicotine, particularly later in the day
  • An uncomfortable, noisy or light sleeping environment
  • Screen use and stimulating activity close to bedtime
  • Underlying conditions such as depression, pain or breathing problems
  • Shift work or jet lag disrupting the body clock

Treatment options we stock

The first-line approach to insomnia focuses on improving sleep habits and addressing any underlying causes such as stress or pain. Where a short-term sleep aid is appropriate, medicines such as zopiclone may be prescribed, but these are generally intended only for brief periods because of the risk of dependence and next-day drowsiness. Always read the patient information leaflet and follow medical advice, and do not use sleep medicines for longer than recommended.

Zopiclone Modafinil
Browse the full Sleep Aids & Wakefulness range

Lifestyle & self-care support

  • Keep a consistent sleep and wake time, including at weekends
  • Avoid caffeine, alcohol and large meals in the evening
  • Keep the bedroom dark, quiet, cool and comfortable
  • Wind down before bed and avoid screens close to bedtime
  • Get regular daytime activity and natural daylight
  • If you cannot sleep, get up and do something relaxing rather than clock-watching

How to choose & when to see a doctor

If sleep problems persist for more than a few weeks or are affecting your daily life, see a doctor who can look for underlying causes and discuss the best approach. Sleep aids can help in the short term but are not a long-term solution, and good sleep habits remain the foundation of treatment. Read the patient information leaflet carefully and never exceed the recommended duration of use.

Frequently asked questions

How much sleep do I actually need?+

Most adults need somewhere in the region of seven to nine hours, but needs vary from person to person. What matters most is whether you feel rested and able to function during the day. If poor sleep is regularly affecting how you feel, it is worth looking into.

Are sleep aids safe to use long term?+

Medicines such as zopiclone are intended for short-term use because they carry a risk of dependence and can cause next-day drowsiness. They are not a long-term solution and should be used only as directed. Always read the patient information leaflet and follow your doctor's advice on how long to take them.

What is sleep hygiene?+

Sleep hygiene refers to the habits and environment that support good sleep, such as a regular schedule, a dark and quiet bedroom, and avoiding caffeine and screens before bed. Improving these is the foundation of treating insomnia. Many people see real benefit from these changes alone.

Can stress really cause insomnia?+

Yes. Stress, anxiety and worry are among the most common causes of insomnia, as a busy mind makes it hard to switch off at night. Addressing the underlying stress, through relaxation techniques or talking therapies, often improves sleep. A doctor can advise if it persists.

When should I see a doctor about my sleep?+

See a doctor if insomnia lasts more than a few weeks, affects your daytime functioning, or is linked to low mood, pain or breathing problems. They can identify any underlying cause and discuss suitable options. Read the leaflet of any sleep aid before starting it.

Insomnia health guides

Zopiclone for Insomnia: A Short-Term Guide

How Zopiclone is used to manage short-term insomnia, why it should only be taken briefly, and the key safety points to discuss with your doctor.

Read guide

Zopiclone for Insomnia: A Short-Term Sleep Aid Explained

How zopiclone works for short-term insomnia, why courses are kept brief, and the dependence risks to discuss with your doctor.

Read guide

Sleep Hygiene Tips: Practical Habits for Better Rest

Evidence-informed habits that support good sleep, and when to seek help if insomnia persists despite your best efforts.

Read guide

Zopiclone vs Other Sleep Aids: Understanding Short-Term Insomnia Options

How zopiclone compares with other short-term sleep aids, including its benefits, risks and the importance of dependence awareness.

Read guide

Important: This information is general and not a substitute for medical advice. Always read the patient information leaflet supplied with your medicine and consult a doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.