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Insomnia

Insomnia is the term used to describe either difficulty falling asleep when going to bed, or staying awake during the night. Many people, especially shift workers, suffer from sleep disturbances when they change their sleeping pattern after moving from night shift to afternoon or day shifts and vice versa. 

Insomnia falls into two usual categories - either chronic or ongoing inability to sleep through the night, or the occasional or episodic pattern of sleepless nights. Some of us manage to have full productive lives with less than six hours sleep each night; famous examples include Winston Churchill and Margaret Thatcher. For the rest of us, after a night of poor sleep we feel exhausted and not able to function at a peak level of achievement. 

Insomnia is most commonly suffered by new parents - poor sleep patterns become a way of life for the first few months of their child’s life as they struggle to get four or more uninterrupted hours rest each night.  Others may suffer from insomnia when they are over-stimulated, by stress, too much alcohol or caffeine, drugs such as diet medications or cold remedies, noise or changes to the sleeping environment.

Sleeping well is a habit. Disturbing that habit by going to bed and not being prepared for sleep by activities, such as using electronic devices, can change your ability to fall asleep or to stay asleep. As you age the urge to urinate tends to wake many of us, and having difficulty falling asleep after one of the many trips to the toilet can impact on the quality and length of sleep achieved each evening, leading to sleep deficits.   

Before appropriate treatment for insomnia can be determined, it is important to establish what is your usual sleep pattern or needs. Not all of us need eight or nine hours sleep as we age. First of all talk to your pharmacist. They can help to determine if there has been any change that may have caused a change in your ability to sleep.   

Sleep hygiene is about undertaking activities that should help you fall asleep; either on first going to bed, or to fall asleep more easily after being woken. Establishing a pattern of only going to bed when tired and ready for sleep, and only trying to go to sleep when you get into bed, helps build a pattern of sleep preparation. Remove stimulants, such as bright bedroom lights, televisions, cell-phones and computers from the bedroom, or ensure they will not cause you to wake up by turning them off. It is often helpful to remove clocks as repeated checking of how long you have taken to fall asleep generally worsens the anxiety about being able to sleep.

If this is not successful in allowing you to fall asleep within about 30 minutes of going to bed, then it is helpful to get up and do something in another room to stop you worrying about being unable to sleep, and return to bed after a period of quiet reading, de-stressing or relaxing exercises, such as yoga.  

If these do not assist in helping to normalise your sleep patterns then short term use of medicines, such as sedating antihistamines, may be helpful for a day or two to break the habit of sleeplessness. These sedating medicines should only be used if safe for you and this is best discussed with your pharmacist or referred on to your doctor, especially if the sleeplessness is caused by mild depression or anxiety.

It is important to realise that alcohol is not helpful in assisting sleep problems. Although it does sedate you, it can also cause insomnia, so is best avoided if troubled by sleep disturbances. Talk to your community pharmacist for help in getting a good night’s rest, as they can assist with safe effective treatments as well as advice to deal with this troubling disturbance to your enjoyment of life.

Family Pharmacy

Family Pharmacy Granville: What a Community Pharmacy Should Feel Like

When you step into a pharmacy, you expect more than just shelves of products. You want support, knowledge, and a familiar face. At Family Pharmacy Granville, we believe a pharmacy should feel like part of your everyday life. Like a trusted neighbour who’s always there when you need them.

We are not just a chemist or a warehouse. We are part of your community. And we’re proud to support your health, your family, and your future with genuine care.

A community pharmacy is about people, not just prescriptions. It is a place where locals come for honest answers, everyday health solutions, and friendly service. Whether you are picking up your regular medication, asking about a new script, or looking for relief from seasonal allergies, we are here to help with practical advice you can count on.

At Family Pharmacy Granville, we serve more than just customers. We support families from all walks of life. Our team takes the time to listen, explain and recommend what is best for you. It is this personalised approach that sets a real pharmacy apart from the rest.

In a busy world filled with large chain stores and self-serve checkouts, the local touch is often missing. But health is personal. It affects your body, your peace of mind, and the people you love. That is why community pharmacies still matter.

Our Granville team understands the cultural diversity, languages and family dynamics that make this area unique. We help grandparents understand new medications. We explain side effects in simple terms. We work with local GPs to ensure your care is connected and consistent.

That is the role of a true community pharmacy. And it is a role we take seriously.

Being a chemist is more than stocking shelves. It means being prepared, being patient, and being present. Every interaction with our pharmacists and staff is based on respect, privacy and professional standards. We follow strict AHPRA guidelines so you always receive ethical and evidence-informed information.

We are also proud to offer essential pharmacy services like prescription dispensing, Webster-paks for easier medication management, health advice, and home delivery options for eligible patients. These services are designed to make your life easier, safer and more manageable.

As a family-owned and operated pharmacy, we understand the pressures families face. Health issues do not always come with a warning. Kids get fevers at night, pain can flare up on weekends, and stress doesn’t wait for business hours. That is why our team is ready with solutions that are practical and accessible.

Whether you need over-the-counter relief, a quick chat with a pharmacist, or help choosing the right baby care product, we’re here to guide you through it with care and compassion.

Our pharmacy is built on values that never go out of style — trust, reliability, and a genuine interest in your well-being. We are not just a chemist or a warehouse. We are your local pharmacy. And we are proud to be part of your journey, every step of the way.

If you have not visited Family Pharmacy Granville yet, now is a great time to drop in and see what community care truly feels like.

Family Pharmacy Granville

The NUMBER 1 Family owned Pharmacy serving the local community for over 40 years. Experience how we can help you with all your medication and health needs and ask about our free services!