# Can't sleep: causes and when to see a doctor

_Can't sleep: what it can be linked to, how urgent it is and what to do next. Kenya guidance from My Wellness Health._

Canonical: https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/symptoms/can-t-sleep

Author: My Wellness Health, Editorial team · Reviewed by: the My Wellness Health clinical team on 7 Oct 2026

Last updated: 7 Oct 2026 · Published by My Wellness Health — Preventive Healthcare & Care Navigation

> Trouble sleeping is often linked to stress, anxiety, depression, caffeine, screens late at night, pain or shift work. See a clinician if it lasts more than a few weeks or affects your day.

**Can't sleep: what to do**

| How urgent | What a clinician will check | How we help | Fee |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| See a clinician if it lasts more than a few weeks or affects your day. | A sleep routine review and a mood and anxiety screen. | Mental health screening | Mental health screening, KES 100 |

## Can't sleep: common questions

**Q: What can cause can't sleep?**

A: Trouble sleeping is often linked to stress, anxiety, depression, caffeine, screens late at night, pain or shift work.

**Q: When should I see a doctor?**

A: See a clinician if it lasts more than a few weeks or affects your day.

**Q: What will the doctor check?**

A: A sleep routine review and a mood and anxiety screen.

**Q: Is can't sleep serious?**

A: Usually not, but it is worth getting checked so a clinician can find the cause. Only an examination and tests can tell.

**Q: How can My Wellness Health help?**

A: My Wellness Health's mental health screening (Mental health screening, KES 100) looks at your symptoms, history and lifestyle and gives you a personalised risk report with clear next steps. A care navigator calls you back within 2 hours to help you book any screening you need at a facility that suits your budget and location. Assessment fees do not include tests or consultations at the facility.

This page is health information to help you understand risks and next steps. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a consultation with a qualified clinician. My Wellness Health is not a diagnostic service: we help you understand your risk and connect you with the right screening and care. In an emergency, go to the nearest hospital or call 999 or 112. If you are thinking of harming yourself, call Befrienders Kenya on +254 722 178 177 or the Kenya Red Cross toll-free line 1199.

## Sources

- [My Wellness Health](https://www.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/)
- [Spitzer et al., A brief measure for assessing generalized anxiety disorder: the GAD-7 (JAMA Internal Medicine, 2006)](https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/410326)
- [Ministry of Health Kenya, Protocols for Management of Selected NCDs at Primary Care (2025)](https://health.go.ke/sites/default/files/2025-07/FINAL_NCD%20protocols.pdf)

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