Insomnia

What are the symptoms of insomnia?

People with insomnia may experience:

• Difficulty falling asleep
• Waking up frequently during the night
• Trouble staying asleep
• Feeling tired or sleepy during the day
• Having trouble concentrating
• Irritability or feeling low

What causes insomnia?

Insomnia can be caused by several factors, including:

• Stress from work, school, or personal life
• Anxiety or depression
• Poor sleep habits, like going to bed at different times each night
• Certain medications that keep you awake
• Health conditions that cause pain or discomfort
• Caffeine or alcohol consumption, especially before bedtime

How common is insomnia?

Insomnia is quite common and affects many people. It is estimated that around one in three people will experience insomnia at some point in their lives.

Who is more likely to get insomnia?

Some people are more likely to experience insomnia, such as:

• Adults aged 60 and older
• People who have a lot of stress or anxiety
• Those with mental health issues like depression
• Shift workers or those with irregular sleep schedules
• People with chronic pain or health issues

How can I treat insomnia?

There are different ways to treat insomnia. Some options include:

• Improving sleep habits, like keeping a regular schedule
• Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation
• Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) that focuses on changing thoughts about sleep
• Over-the-counter or prescription sleep medications (like melatonin or zopiclone)

How to prevent insomnia?

Preventing insomnia can often be achieved by making lifestyle changes, such as:

• Sticking to a sleep routine by going to bed and waking up at the same time every day
• Avoiding caffeine or big meals close to bedtime
• Creating a comfortable and quiet sleep environment
• Limiting naps during the day
• Being physically active during the day

How to live with insomnia?

Living with insomnia can be challenging, but there are ways to manage it:

• Speak to a healthcare provider for support and advice
• Practice relaxation techniques before bed
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle with good nutrition and exercise
• Join a support group to connect with others who experience similar issues

What support is available for people with insomnia?

Support for insomnia can come from various places:

• Your GP who may provide guidance and treatment options
• Sleep clinics that specialise in sleep disorders
• Counselling for underlying mental health issues
• Online resources and forums to share experiences and advice

What’s the outlook for insomnia?

The outlook for insomnia is generally good. Many people can improve their sleep with the right treatments and lifestyle changes.

Final thoughts

Insomnia can be difficult to live with, but there are ways to manage it. If you are concerned about your sleep, it’s a good idea to speak to your GP or healthcare provider for support.

Sources:

• NHS – Insomnia
• Healthline – Insomnia
• WebMD – Insomnia
• Patient.info – Insomnia