Sleep deprivation, commonly referred to as ‘insomnia,’ affects almost a third of the Australian population. Insomnia is not classified by the number of hours slept – since this may vary dramatically between individuals – but diagnosed by insufficient sleep or disruptions to the sleep-wake cycle resulting in a psychological state known as ‘fatigue.’ A tired individual is more accident prone, has impaired judgment, increased risk of making mistakes and bad decisions, and suffers from reduced hand-to-eye coordination leading to an overall decline in performance and concentration. Insomnia is not a disorder, but a symptom for which the cause varies.

Healthworks Sleep educates readers to the differing symptoms of both acute and chronic types of insomnia; methods of management; possible causes including stress, altered bedroom environment, lack of sleep hygiene, illness and injury, new medications, jet lag, depression, alcohol, and caffeinated stimulants. This booklet also highlights suggested medications and therapies to take control of insomnia, and lists places where one can seek further information and aid including group therapy, counselling facilities, medical practitioners and sleep disorder clinics.