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Insomnia Treatment & Support Online

Chronic insomnia responds best to cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I). A NewDoc GP can take a sleep history, exclude contributing conditions, and refer to a psychologist or sleep specialist as appropriate.

Can a telehealth GP help with insomnia?

Yes. An AHPRA-registered GP at NewDoc can assess insomnia by video, treat underlying contributors (anxiety, depression, sleep apnoea), arrange a sleep-study referral if needed, and create a Mental Health Treatment Plan giving you up to 10 Medicare-subsidised psychology sessions per calendar year for CBT-I, which the Australasian Sleep Association recommends as first-line treatment for chronic insomnia.

The consultation, MHTP, and referrals are bulk billed for eligible Medicare cardholders. Schedule 8 and Schedule 4D restricted sleep medications (such as benzodiazepines and zolpidem) cannot be prescribed via telehealth and need an in-person appointment.

What is insomnia?

Insomnia is a sleep disorder characterised by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early and being unable to return to sleep. It is one of the most common sleep complaints in Australian general practice. The Sleep Health Foundation estimates that around 14.8% of Australian adults have symptoms that could meet a clinical diagnosis of insomnia, and that nearly 60% regularly experience at least one sleep symptom (three or more times a week).

The impact extends beyond nighttime. Persistent poor sleep can cause daytime fatigue, irritability, difficulty concentrating, reduced motivation, and impaired performance at work or study, and over time is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and mental health conditions including anxiety and depression.

Symptoms of insomnia

Insomnia can look different in different people. Common nighttime and daytime symptoms include:

  • Trouble falling asleep at the start of the night
  • Waking up frequently during the night and struggling to return to sleep
  • Waking up much earlier than intended and being unable to sleep again
  • Feeling unrefreshed in the morning despite time in bed
  • Daytime fatigue, low energy, or low motivation
  • Difficulty concentrating, poor memory, or irritability
  • Worry or rumination about sleep, or anxiety about bedtime

Sleep needs vary from person to person. Most adults function best on 7 to 9 hours per night, but the clinically meaningful question is whether your sleep is leaving you able to function and feel well during the day, not a specific hour count.

When to see a doctor about insomnia

Book a GP (in person or via bulk billed telehealth) if you have been experiencing difficulty sleeping for more than a few weeks, if poor sleep is affecting your daytime functioning, or if you are relying on alcohol, over-the-counter sleep aids, or other substances to get to sleep.

It is particularly important to book a GP consult if any of the following apply, because they point toward an underlying condition that telehealth alone may not settle:

  • Your partner has noticed loud snoring, witnessed breathing pauses, or gasping awakenings (may indicate sleep apnoea)
  • Severe daytime sleepiness that is dangerous, for example while driving
  • Depression, anxiety, or thoughts of self-harm
  • Unintended weight loss, persistent pain, or other medical red flags
  • A recent head injury or new neurological symptoms

If you are in mental health crisis or feel unsafe, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or 000, or attend your nearest emergency department. Telehealth is not for acute crisis care.

How a telehealth GP can help with insomnia

Insomnia assessment is built on conversation, not physical examination, which is why it is particularly well-suited to telehealth. A NewDoc GP will take a sleep history, ask about daytime impact, screen for contributing conditions, and discuss what you have already tried. During the consultation your GP can:

  • Provide tailored sleep-hygiene advice and a behavioural plan
  • Create a Mental Health Treatment Plan for Medicare-subsidised psychology sessions (up to 10 per calendar year)
  • Refer you to a psychologist trained in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I)
  • Order pathology to screen for contributing factors such as thyroid disorder or iron deficiency
  • Issue an eScript for short-term, non-restricted sleep medication where appropriate
  • Arrange a referral for a home sleep study if sleep apnoea is suspected
  • Refer you to a sleep specialist or psychiatrist for complex or treatment-resistant insomnia

Medicare item numbers used for the consultation, MHTP, and referrals are bulk billed for eligible Medicare cardholders, so there is no out-of-pocket cost for the appointment or anything issued during it.

Common causes of insomnia

Insomnia is rarely a single-cause condition. Common contributors include:

  • Stress and anxiety, including a racing mind at bedtime
  • Depression, where sleep disturbance is often an early sign
  • Shift work and jet lag, which disrupt circadian rhythm
  • Caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine, even consumed earlier in the day
  • Screen use before bed, which may suppress melatonin and delay sleep onset
  • Chronic pain, for example back pain or arthritis
  • Medical conditions such as sleep apnoea, restless legs syndrome, thyroid disorders, and menopause
  • Medications, which can disrupt sleep as a side effect

Because there are so many potential causes, your GP will take a structured history and investigate contributors relevant to your situation rather than relying on a single one-size-fits-all treatment.

Insomnia vs sleep apnoea

Insomnia and sleep apnoea are both common, can coexist, and are often confused. Insomnia is difficulty falling or staying asleep; the underlying sleep mechanism is intact. Sleep apnoea is a breathing disorder where airflow repeatedly stops during sleep, typically causing loud snoring, witnessed breathing pauses, gasping awakenings, and heavy daytime sleepiness despite seemingly full nights in bed. If you or your partner notice those features, your GP can arrange a home sleep study to investigate.

Treatment options for insomnia

Treatment depends on the type (acute vs chronic) and the underlying contributors. Evidence-based options include:

  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I). First-line treatment for chronic insomnia per Australian guidelines. Addresses the thoughts, behaviours, and habits that perpetuate poor sleep. Usually 4 to 8 sessions with a psychologist, accessible via a Mental Health Treatment Plan for Medicare-subsidised sessions.
  • Sleep-hygiene improvements. Consistent sleep schedule, dark and cool sleep environment, limiting screens and caffeine, and relaxing wind-down routine.
  • Treating underlying contributors. Managing anxiety, depression, pain, menopause, thyroid disorder, or medication side-effects where they are driving the insomnia.
  • Prolonged-release melatonin 2 mg (Circadin) — PBS-subsidised for adults aged 55 and older with primary insomnia. Useful for sleep-onset and sleep-maintenance problems with limited side effects, particularly when shift work or circadian disruption is the driver. Your GP can issue an eScript via telehealth.
  • Doxepin (low-dose) or mirtazapine — off-label options for some patients with sleep-maintenance insomnia, particularly when depression or anxiety coexist. Not S4D restricted; can be prescribed via telehealth where clinically appropriate.
  • Sleep specialist or psychiatrist referral for complex or treatment-resistant presentations.
  • Restricted hypnotics — benzodiazepines (e.g. temazepam) and Z-drugs (e.g. zolpidem) are Schedule 4D restricted under current AHPRA guidance and need an in-person GP review. Your telehealth GP can review your history, recommend whether a restricted hypnotic is appropriate, and direct you to an in-person consult if needed.

Most patients respond best to a combined approach rather than a single intervention. Your GP will help you decide where to start and how to sequence treatments.

Sleep hygiene tips

Good sleep hygiene is not a cure on its own, but it is the foundation of any insomnia treatment plan. Practical steps that may help include:

  • Go to bed and get up at roughly the same time every day, including weekends
  • Keep your bedroom dark, cool, and quiet
  • Avoid screens for at least 30 to 60 minutes before bed
  • Limit caffeine after midday and avoid alcohol before bed
  • Exercise regularly, but not in the hours just before sleep
  • Use your bed only for sleep and intimacy, not for work or scrolling
  • If you are awake for more than 20 minutes, get up and do a quiet activity in dim light until you feel sleepy
  • Try a wind-down routine: deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or reading

If sleep problems persist despite sleep-hygiene changes, speak with a bulk billed telehealth GP to discuss CBT-I, medication, or further investigation under Medicare.

References

This content is informational and does not replace individual medical advice. For personal assessment, book a consultation with your GP. In emergencies, call 000.

Reviewed by Dr. Jason Yu FRACGP

Last reviewed 15 May 2026. Editorial policy

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Frequently asked questions

Can a telehealth GP prescribe sleeping medication?

Yes, for some sleep medications. Your GP can prescribe certain short-term sleep aids via telehealth if clinically appropriate, but sleeping tablets are usually a short-term solution only. Schedule 4D restricted substances such as benzodiazepines and zolpidem cannot be prescribed by a telehealth GP; these require an in-person appointment. Your GP will discuss the most effective treatment approach, which often includes behavioural strategies alongside or instead of medication.

What is CBT-I and is it available in Australia?

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) is a structured, evidence-based therapy that the Australasian Sleep Association recommends as first-line treatment for chronic insomnia in its 2017 position statement. It typically involves 4 to 8 sessions with a trained psychologist, covering sleep restriction, stimulus control, cognitive restructuring, and sleep hygiene. Your GP can create a Mental Health Treatment Plan for Medicare-subsidised psychology sessions and refer you to a psychologist experienced in CBT-I.

How long does insomnia usually last?

Short-term (acute) insomnia often lasts a few nights to a few weeks and is usually triggered by stress, illness, or a change in routine. It typically resolves once the trigger passes. Chronic insomnia is defined as sleep difficulty at least three nights per week for three months or more; it usually needs structured treatment such as CBT-I to fully resolve. Many people see meaningful improvement with the right combination of behavioural strategies and, where appropriate, short-term medication.

Can insomnia be cured?

There is no guaranteed cure, but insomnia is highly treatable and many people achieve lasting improvement. CBT-I is the most effective long-term intervention and produces durable results in most patients with chronic insomnia. Lifestyle and sleep-hygiene changes, treatment of underlying contributors (like anxiety, depression, or sleep apnoea), and short-term medication where appropriate all play a role. Your GP will tailor a plan to your individual situation.

How is insomnia different from sleep apnoea?

Insomnia is difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking too early, even when sleep is undisturbed by breathing problems. Sleep apnoea is a breathing disorder where airflow repeatedly stops during sleep; it often causes loud snoring, witnessed breathing pauses, gasping awakenings, and excessive daytime sleepiness despite apparently full nights in bed. The two can coexist. If sleep apnoea is suspected, your GP can arrange a home sleep study or refer you to a sleep specialist.

Is the insomnia consultation bulk billed?

Yes. NewDoc bulk bills telehealth consultations for eligible Medicare cardholders, with no out-of-pocket cost for the GP appointment. Any eScript, Mental Health Treatment Plan, psychologist referral, pathology referral, or sleep-study referral issued during the consultation is included at no extra charge.

Is telehealth suitable for insomnia treatment?

Yes. Insomnia is primarily assessed through discussion of your sleep patterns, habits, stressors, and medical history, making it well suited to a video or phone consultation. Your GP can develop a comprehensive assessment and treatment plan during telehealth and, if a physical examination or sleep study is needed, will arrange the appropriate referral.

Could my insomnia be caused by another condition?

Yes. Insomnia can be associated with anxiety, depression, sleep apnoea, chronic pain, restless legs syndrome, thyroid disorders, menopause, medication side effects, and alcohol or caffeine use. Your GP will screen for these during the consultation and may order blood tests or refer you for a sleep study if clinically indicated.

Can insomnia affect my physical health?

Yes. Chronic poor sleep is associated with an increased risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, weakened immune function, and mental health conditions including anxiety and depression. Addressing insomnia is part of overall health management, which is why sleep problems are worth discussing with a GP rather than ignoring.

Can I get a referral for a sleep study via telehealth?

Yes. If your GP suspects sleep apnoea or another sleep disorder, they can arrange a referral for a home sleep study or to a sleep specialist during the consultation. Home sleep studies are increasingly common in Australia and can be arranged bulk billed for eligible Medicare patients.

Is insomnia a mental illness?

Insomnia is a sleep disorder in its own right, not a mental illness. However, it is strongly linked to mental health conditions: insomnia often appears alongside anxiety or depression, and treating one often helps the other. Your GP can assess whether mental health support would help your sleep, and can refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist where appropriate.

Can I get insomnia treatment online in Australia?

Yes. A bulk billed telehealth GP can assess insomnia, recommend behavioural and sleep-hygiene strategies, prescribe short-term medication where appropriate (with some exceptions), refer you to a psychologist for CBT-I via a Mental Health Treatment Plan, and arrange a sleep study if sleep apnoea is suspected. NewDoc consultations are delivered by Australian-trained GPs.

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