Mental health and psychiatric disorders

Insomnia

Difficulty falling or staying asleep, impacting mood, concentration, and overall wellbeing.
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About

Insomnia is a common sleep disorder that makes it hard to fall asleep, stay asleep, or get enough restful sleep. It can be short-term (acute) or long-lasting (chronic). Poor sleep can affect mood, concentration, memory, and physical health.

This condition is often invisible.

Many disabilities, including this one, may not have outward signs—people can be significantly impacted even if they appear “fine” on the outside.

Common Challenges

  • Fatigue and low energy during the day
  • Difficulty concentrating or remembering information
  • Reduced ability to handle stress
  • Mood changes, including irritability or anxiety
  • Slower reaction times and reduced work performance
  • Increased risk of absenteeism or presenteeism

Practitioner Help

  • Encourage the development of a healthy sleep routine
  • Refer to mental health professionals for cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT-I) or treatment
  • Support stress and anxiety management strategies
  • Recommend jobs with stable routines and lower stress
  • Educate employers about the impact of sleep disorders

Common Accommodations

  • Adjusted workload during periods of poor sleep
  • Flexible work hours (for managing health conditions)
  • Allowing more breaks to manage anxiety or fatigue
  • A quiet or low-sensory workspace
  • Time off for medical appointments or treatment
View more on enableDex

Notes

Insomnia can have a wide impact on daily life, even if it seems mild at first. Helping participants manage sleep and reduce stress can make a big difference to their employment success.

This condition is often invisible, read more about invisible disabilities here:

Remember every client is unique, do not assume the challenges here are a problem for your client based on their diagnosis. Click here to explore discovery questions you can use during your coaching sessions to ensure you are providing tailored support.

Resources

  • Insomnia - causes, symptoms and different types | healthdirect
  • Insomnia | Sleep Health Foundation
  • Sleep - insomnia | Better Health Channel
Mental health and psychiatric disorders

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