Three in five Aussies struggling to sleep

If you feel like you're not getting enough sleep, you're not alone.

Three in five Australians are suffering from at least one symptom of insomnia, a new report has found.

The Sleep Health Foundation has warned sleep deprivation is affecting people's chances to lead healthy, happy lives.

The foundation's Professor Robert Adams says lack of sleep can affect mood, safety, health and relationships with family and mates.

"It's troubling to see just how common it is for Australians to struggle with their sleep when it's such a vital aspect of good health and happiness," Professor Adams said on Monday.

Nearly half of Australians don't feel like their daily lives give them enough time to get a good night's rest most of the time, the foundation's report has found.

Women are more likely than men to be worried about getting a good night's rest and are more often overwhelmed by thoughts when they try to sleep.

Older Australians are finding it hardest to stay asleep, with almost half of those aged 65 or over waking up frequently during the night.

But younger Australians, aged 18 to 24, had more difficulty falling asleep than over-65s.