Insomnia

You have insomnia if you regularly: find it hard to go to sleep wake up several times during the night lie awake at night wake up early and cannot go back to sleep still feel tired after waking up find it hard to nap during the day even though you're tired feel tired and irritable during the day find it difficult to concentrate during the day because you're tired If you have insomnia for a short time (less than 3 months) it's called short-term insomnia. Insomnia that lasts 3 months or longer is called long-term insomnia.

Everyone needs different amounts of sleep. On average: adults need 7 to 9 hours children need 9 to 13 hours toddlers and babies need 12 to 17 hours You probably do not get enough sleep if you're constantly tired during the day.

The most common causes of insomnia are: stress, anxiety or depression noise a room that's too hot or cold uncomfortable beds alcohol, caffeine or nicotine illegal drugs like cocaine or ecstasy jet lag shift work Conditions and other things that can cause insomnia Conditions and medicines that can cause insomnia: mental health conditions, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder Alzheimer's disease or Parkinson's disease restless legs syndrome overactive thyroid menopause Many medicines can also cause insomnia. Things that keep you from getting a good night's sleep: long-term pain sleepwalking snoring or interrupted breathing while sleeping ( sleep apnoea ) suddenly falling asleep anywhere ( narcolepsy ) nightmares or night terrors (particularly in children)

Insomnia usually gets better by changing your sleeping habits. Do only go to bed when you're sleepy wake up and get out of bed at the same time every day relax at least 1 hour before bed – for example, take a bath or read a book make sure your bedroom is dark and quiet – use curtains, blinds, an eye mask or ear plugs if needed exercise regularly during the day make sure your mattress, pillows and covers are comfortable Don’t do not smoke or drink alcohol, tea or coffee at least 6 hours before going to bed do not eat a big meal late at night do not exercise at least 4 hours before bed do not watch television or use devices, like smartphones, right before going to bed, because the blue light makes you more awake do not nap during the day do not drive when you feel sleepy do not sleep in after a bad night's sleep – stick to your regular sleeping hours instead

You can buy tablets or liquids (sometimes called sleeping aids) from a pharmacy that may help you sleep better. Some contain natural ingredients such as valerian or lavender, while others contain an antihistamine . They cannot cure insomnia but may help you sleep better for 1 to 2 weeks. They should not be taken for any longer. Some of these products can have side effects, for instance, they may make you drowsy. This could make it difficult for you to do certain things like drive. Check with your doctor before taking anything for your sleep problems.

A GP will try to find out what's causing your insomnia so you get the right treatment. Sometimes you'll be offered cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) . This may be face-to-face with a therapist, or through an online self-help programme. This can help you change the thoughts and behaviours that keep you from sleeping. You may be referred to a sleep clinic if you have symptoms of another sleep disorder such as sleep apnoea. GPs now rarely prescribe sleeping pills to treat insomnia. Sleeping pills can have serious side effects and you can become dependent on them. Sleeping pills are only prescribed for a few days, or weeks at the most, if: your insomnia is very bad other treatments have not worked