Waking during the night and unable to return to sleep
Waking from sleep during the night and being unable to return to sleep, often resulting in extended periods of wakefulness during the night and daytime fatigue. A common component of insomnia disorder.
Quick answer
Night waking with inability to return to sleep (ICD-10: G47.00; ICD-11: 7A00) is a core insomnia presentation. CBT-I and stimulus control have the strongest evidence. Sleep apnoea and PTSD require specific investigation. Alcohol disrupts sleep architecture and should be reduced.
Recognition
Do any of these feel familiar?
Waking 1–3 times during the night
Lying awake for 30 minutes or more before returning to sleep
Mind becoming active or anxious upon waking
Frustration and distress about being awake
Feeling unrefreshed in the morning despite going to bed at an appropriate time
What is Waking during the night and unable to return to sleep?
Waking from sleep during the night and being unable to return to sleep, often resulting in extended periods of wakefulness during the night and daytime fatigue. A common component of insomnia disorder.
Approaches Commonly Explored
Commonly explored for conditions related to Waking during the night and unable to return to sleep, grouped by mechanism — select your subtype above to highlight the most relevant path.
How to use these approaches
Most people begin with Stabilise approaches, then progress toward Resolve and Sustain.
Autonomic nervous system — sympathetic / parasympathetic balance.
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