Insomnia

Insomnia

Insomnia means you regularly have problems sleeping. It usually gets better by changing your sleeping habits.

Check if you have 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 three months), it’s called short-term insomnia. Insomnia that lasts three months or longer is called long-term insomnia.

How much sleep do you need?

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.

What causes insomnia?

The most common causes are:

• 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