Learn4 min
When professional support may help
Persistent nightmares and insomnia are treatable — you don't have to manage them alone.
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Self-help strategies can genuinely help many people, but some sleep difficulties benefit from additional support. This isn't a sign that self-help has failed — sleep is a medical and psychological area with real, evidence-based treatments.
It may be worth speaking to a GP, sleep specialist or trauma-informed therapist if
- Nightmares are frequent, distressing, or affecting your daytime functioning
- Insomnia has lasted for weeks or months
- You're relying heavily on alcohol or other substances to fall asleep
- Sleep difficulties are affecting your safety, mood, or relationships
- You'd simply like more support than self-help alone can offer
A GP can discuss options including sleep-focused therapies and, where appropriate, referrals to specialist services. This page can't recommend or prescribe treatment, but reaching out is a reasonable and often helpful step.