Respiratory tract and sleep disorders – including obstructive sleep apnoea, difficult-to-treat asthma in adults, and insomnia – are commonly encountered in general practice.

The connection between sleep and health has been recognised for centuries, but it is only relatively recently that the treatment of sleep disorders has developed as a medical specialty.

Diagnosis of insomnia is facilitated by the use of self-report measures to characterise the sleep disorder and elucidate comorbidities.

Effective insomnia treatment requires a multidisciplinary team that is centred on the patient’s preference and personal goals.

Nocturia is associated with significant morbidity and is likely to be a marker of poor health.