When to see a professional about sleep, stress or mood

When should you get professional help for sleep or stress?

Speak to a doctor if poor sleep is regular and changing your sleep habits hasn't helped, or if you think you may have insomnia^1,4. For stress, see a doctor if you're struggling to cope, if the things you're trying yourself aren't helping, or if you would prefer a referral³.

Sleep. Insomnia that lasts 3 months or longer is called long-term insomnia; less than 3 months is short-term⁴. A formal diagnosis of chronic insomnia disorder needs sleep difficulties at least 3 times a week for at least 3 months⁵, and a clinician should make it⁶. That is a different question from when to ask for advice. You don't need to wait 3 months to talk to a doctor.

If sleep problems don't improve with treatment, a specialist sleep test may be recommended, especially when another sleep problem such as a breathing disorder is suspected⁷. Sleep apnoea sits alongside insomnia in 30%–50% of people with insomnia⁸. So mention any daytime sleepiness or loud snoring when you talk to your doctor. A sleep tracker is only a rough guide. It isn't recommended for diagnosis and shouldn't replace an assessment⁸.

Mood and stress. A low mood should lift after a few days. If it lasts longer than about 2 weeks it may be a sign of depression, and a doctor can check for physical causes or medicine side effects². If low mood is affecting your daily life or causing distress, you can contact a non-urgent health advice line or talk to a doctor².

Treatment for insomnia that works on habits and thinking (called CBT-I) can be hard to get⁵. It is reasonable to ask your doctor about it.

When to check with a health professional

If you're starting exercise after a long break, it's always a good idea to see your doctor first.

For an injury or a health condition, see a health professional, such as your doctor or a physio.

For sleep, stress or mood, you can start with your doctor, a general health advice line, or a mental health service. Check with a doctor before taking anything for sleep problems⁴. If you feel unusually tired for no clear reason, get it checked by a doctor.

Some sleep treatments can cause temporary daytime sleepiness, so avoid driving when you're drowsy. Older adults and people on sleep medicines should take particular care with night-time falls. Some treatments may not suit people prone to mania or with poorly controlled seizures, so tell the clinician about any other health conditions before you start⁶.

Being active is not a substitute for medication or therapy, so don't change either without talking to your doctor.

Call your local emergency number for chest pain or pressure (or pain spreading to the arm, neck, jaw or back, especially with sweating or feeling sick), severe breathlessness, fainting or collapse, signs of a stroke, a serious injury, or someone who isn't safe.

If you're having thoughts of self-harm, contact a local crisis line (findahelpline.com lists free services in every country), or your local emergency number if you aren't safe.