Find a Mental Health Professional for Sleep Difficulties & Insomnia

About Sleep Difficulties & Insomnia support

Sleep difficulties are among the most common health concerns in Australia. Insomnia, the persistent difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or achieving restorative sleep, affects around one in three Australians. Poor sleep has wide-ranging effects on mood, cognition, physical health, and resilience. While insomnia is often treated with medication, psychological approaches are considered the most effective long-term treatment. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) is the gold-standard psychological treatment and is more effective than sleep medication in the long term. It addresses the thought patterns and behaviours that perpetuate insomnia, including unhelpful beliefs about sleep, irregular sleep schedules, and habits that interfere with sleep quality. CBT-I can be delivered in individual sessions, group format, or via digital programs. In Australia, GPs are the first point of contact for sleep concerns and can rule out underlying medical causes such as sleep apnoea. Psychologists trained in CBT-I are available in private practice, and several digital CBT-I programs are available with evidence behind them, including SHUTi and Sleepio. Medicare does not directly subsidise CBT-I as a standalone treatment, but GP Mental Health Treatment Plans can cover psychology sessions when insomnia is linked to a diagnosed mental health condition.