Acute insomnia is defined as sleep disturbance meeting the DSM-5 definition of insomnia, but with symptoms occurring for less than 4 weeks.6 Generally, acute insomnia is triggered by precipitating events such as ill health, change of medication or circumstances, or stress. Once the precipitating event passes, sleep settles back to its usual pattern. Hence, treatment for acute insomnia is focused on avoiding or withdrawing the precipitant, if possible, and supporting the acute distress of not sleeping with short-term use of hypnotics if symptoms are significant. This is the usual approach in primary care, with 95% of general practitioner consultations for insomnia resulting in the prescription of a hypnotic, usually a benzodiazepine