Understanding sleep problems
We all have evenings when we find it hard to fall asleep or find ourselves waking up in the night. How we sleep and how much sleep we need is different for all of us and changes as we get older.
Sleep problems usually sort themselves out within about a month. But longer stretches of bad sleep can start to affect our lives.
If you regularly have problems sleeping, you may be experiencing insomnia. Insomnia can last for months or even years, but usually improves if you change your sleeping habits.
Poor sleep is linked to physical problems such as a weakened immune system and mental health problems such as anxiety and depression.
Signs that you have a sleep problem
You may:
- Find it difficult to fall asleep
- Lie awake for long periods at night
- Wake up several times during the night
- Wake up early and be unable to get back to sleep
- Feel down or have a lower mood
- Have difficulty concentrating
- Be more irritable than usual
- Feel like you have not slept well when you wake up in the morning
Long-term sleep problems can lead you to:
- Feel your relationships are suffering
- Struggle to maintain a social life
- Have a hard time doing everyday tasks
- Feel hungrier and snack more
- Feel tired during the day
