Sleep disorders treatment
Sleep disorder is a common health condition affecting a person’s quality of life and health. Manage sleep disorders effectively with our Australian-registered online doctors, available 24/7. Seek medical advice conveniently from your home, anywhere in Australia, with telehealth consultations available in just 15 minutes.
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When to consult a doctor for sleep disorders?
If you cannot sleep for a day or two or have any temporary sleep disorder due to minor illnesses such as colds, it will usually resolve itself. If your sleep disorders are interrupting your daily life and are causing some concerns for your health, it is time to consult a doctor. Seek immediate medical attention if:
- If you have persistent trouble sleeping or waking too early at least three nights a week, for several weeks.
- Feeling excessively drowsy during the day, especially if it affects driving, work, school, or daily activities.
- If you snore loudly, gasp for air, or stop breathing briefly during sleep
- Regular nightmares or night terrors that interrupt sleep.
- If you are sleepwalking, sleep talking, or acting out dreams
- Sleep issues that are impacting your mood, memory, or mental health
Get an online doctor’s consultation for treatment, antibiotics, or medical advice instantly.
Sleep disorder treatment options
How does a mental health treatment plan work?
- 24/7 access: Not able to sleep? Seek medical attention at night, during weekend or holidays
- Less stigma: Speak to a doctor freely without any disruption to your privacy
- Instant access: Speak to a medical practitioner from anywhere in Australia within 15 minutes
- Saves time: No scrambling for appointments or no need to physically travel to a clinic
- Easy medication management: Receive instant scripts, get your medicine delivered through a pharmacy delivery and more
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About sleep disorders
- Insomnia: Difficulty falling or staying asleep
- Snoring: Noisy breathing during sleep
- Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA): Repeated breathing interruptions during sleep due to blocked airways.
- Sleep hypoventilation: Shallow breathing during sleep, resulting in low oxygen levels.
- Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS): Unpleasant leg sensations with a strong urge to move them, disrupting sleep.
- Bruxism: Grinding or clenching of teeth during sleep, which can lead to dental damage.
- Narcolepsy: Sudden, uncontrollable sleep attacks during the day
- Sleep talking and sleepwalking: Unconscious speech or movement during sleep
- Nightmares and night terrors: Disturbing dreams or intense episodes of fear with screaming
Sleep disorders causes and symptoms
There are many causes that disrupt your sleep. Each sleep disorder has its unique causes and symptoms. Some of the common causes of sleep disorders include:
- Mental health concerns like stress, anxiety, depression, substance abuse and others
- Nasal issues like blockages in airways, enlarged tonsils, and chronic lung diseases
- Lifestyle issues like obesity, irregular sleep cycle and excessive caffeine intake
- Other health conditions like pregnancy, chronic conditions etc.
- Age and genetics
Some of the common symptoms of sleep disorders include:
- Difficulty falling asleep
- Loud snoring
- Difficulty breathing during sleep
- Headaches
- Day time sleepiness
- Fatigue
- Hallucinations
Medically reviewed by Dr. Ammar AL-ANI, MBChB, CCBST, AMC
Frequently asked questions
Can an online doctor help with sleep disorders if the GP near me is not available?
How can I get medical advice online when I have a sleep disorder?
How much sleep do I actually need?
The recommended hours of sleep vary across age groups, and maintaining healthy sleep habits is crucial for well-being at any age.
According to the Sleep Health Foundation, newborns need the most sleep, between 14-17 hours daily. Infants and toddlers also require plenty of rest, needing 12-15 hours and 11-14 hours, respectively. Preschoolers thrive on 10-13 hours, while school-aged children need 9-11 hours each night. Teenagers benefit from 8-10 hours, which supports growth and cognitive development. Adults need 7-9 hours of sleep, a range that applies from young adulthood (18-25 years) through to older adulthood (65+ years).
Although older adults may wake more often during the night, they still benefit from a consistent routine and restful environment. Building healthy sleep habits, like maintaining a regular sleep schedule and minimising screen time before bed, can help people of all ages get the restorative sleep they need for physical and mental health.
How to fall asleep when stressed?
In today’s busy world, stress disrupts sleep for many, with over half of Australians experiencing personal stressors. The relationship between stress and sleep is complex: stress triggers cortisol, which increases alertness and can lead to insomnia, while poor sleep elevates stress and impacts emotional resilience.
Practical strategies to fall asleep when stressed include relaxation exercises, avoiding screens, and establishing a calming bedtime routine. Additionally, managing daytime stress through a healthy diet, exercise, time management, and setting boundaries can improve sleep quality. If stress disrupts sleep or daily life persistently, consulting a doctor—especially via telehealth—can provide valuable support.
What are the effects of sleep disorders on your body?
Sleep disorders, like sleep apnoea, can have a profound impact on the body. In cases of sleep apnea, where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, oxygen levels in the body fluctuate, placing significant strain on the cardiovascular system. This can lead to high blood pressure, increased risk of heart disease, and stroke over time.
Additionally, sleep disorders often disrupt the body’s natural rest cycles, impairing cognitive function, memory, and mood regulation. They can weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to illness, and often contribute to weight gain due to hormonal imbalances that affect appetite and metabolism.
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