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Warning-sign checks

Insomnia: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Get emergency help if you have thoughts of suicide or feel unable to keep yourself safe.

    Do not drive or operate machinery if sleep loss or a sleep medicine has made it difficult to stay alert.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek urgent medical help if you have gone with very little sleep and develop unusually high energy, racing thoughts, severe agitation, hallucinations, confusion, or risky behavior.

    These symptoms may reflect a mental health or medical problem rather than ordinary insomnia.

    If dangerously impaired alertness is immediate, arrange safe transport and urgent assistance.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a routine appointment if sleep difficulty lasts for several weeks, keeps returning, or affects work, study, relationships, driving, or mood.

    You should also seek assessment if you rely regularly on alcohol, cannabis, over-the-counter products, or prescription sedatives to sleep.

    Routine assessment is also appropriate if you have loud snoring, breathing pauses, gasping, an urge to move your legs, persistent pain, or symptoms of anxiety or depression.

    These features may point to a contributing condition that needs separate care.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Insomnia. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.