Sleeping problems
Insomnia means you regularly have problems sleeping. It usually gets better by changing your sleeping habits.
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 can’t 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
You can have these symptoms for months, sometimes years.
How much sleep you need
Everyone needs different amounts of sleep. On average we need:
- adults – 7 to 9 hours
- children – 9 to 13 hours
- toddlers and babies – 12 to 17 hours
You probably don’t get enough sleep if you’re constantly tired during the day.
What causes insomnia
- stress, anxiety or depression
- noise
- a room that’s too hot or cold
- uncomfortable beds
- alcohol, caffeine or nicotine
- recreational drugs like cocaine or ecstasy
- jet lag
- shift work