Insomnia

Insomnia is regularly struggling to fall or stay asleep. The most common causes of insomnia are stress, anxiety, depression, shift work, jet lag or an uncomfortable sleeping environment. Making simple changes to your sleep-wake routine can help to improve the quantity and quality of sleep. Healthy sleep techniques include going to bed and waking at the same time every day, making sure the room is dark, quiet and cool and avoiding caffeine for 6 hours before going to bed. Drowsy antihistamines can also improve short-term insomnia to help you get a good nights sleep.

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Advice for Insomnia

What is Insomnia & what causes it?

Insomnia is an inability to get to sleep, or to stay asleep for long enough to feel fresh and rested the next morning. It’s a very common problem, thought to affect one in every five people in the UK, with particular prominence among the elderly.

There is no definitive guide for how much sleep is required each night because everyone is different. On average the recommended amount of sleep a person should aim for is between seven and nine hours. Children and babies generally sleep for longer than this, whereas the elderly tend to sleep for less.

Sometimes the causes of insomnia can be unclear. However, the onset of the condition is often associated with the following:

  • Stress and anxiety
  • Depression or schizophrenia
  • Lifestyle factors, such as shift work
  • Consumption of alcohol or caffeine before going to bed
  • An unsuitable sleeping environment, such as an uncomfortable bed, or too much light or noise
  • Certain physical conditions, such as chronic pain, heart problems or disorders
  • Certain medicines such as steroids, antidepressants or epilepsy drugs

For a lot of people, bouts of insomnia can come and go without causing any serious problems. However, for others, the condition can last for months or years at a time. This persistent form of insomnia will likely impact on a sufferer’s quality of life, affecting mood, temperament and energy levels. This can easily lead to relationship problems with family, friends and colleagues.

What are the symptoms of Insomnia?

An insomnia sufferer will likely experience some of the following symptoms:

  • Difficulty in falling asleep
  • Long periods of lying awake at night
  • Restless sleep, punctuated by several instances of waking up
  • Not feeling refreshed in the morning
  • Feelings of tiredness or irritability
  • A difficulty concentrating

How is Insomnia diagnosed?

It is recommended to visit your doctor if you are regularly finding it difficult to get to sleep, or to stay asleep during the night. To perform an informed diagnosis the doctor will ask relevant questions regarding your sleeping routine, caffeine and alcohol intake and general lifestyle habits, such as exercise and diet. They will also review your medical history to check for any medication that may be contributing to your trouble sleeping. Your doctor will also try to establish whether any underlying health conditions may be causing insomnia; such as depression or anxiety.

In most cases, your doctor will ask you to keep a sleep diary for a couple of weeks, which will help them gain further insight into your sleeping patterns. A sleep diary will involve making a note of the times you go to sleep and wake up, how long it took to fall asleep, and the number of times you awoke during the night.

Insomnia does not need a diagnosis if it is short-term and caused by a known reason such as a recent bereavement or occasional shift work.

How can I prevent Insomnia?

In many cases, insomnia can be improved by making simple lifestyle changes. These changes generally revolve around your daytime and bedtime habits, and by making alterations to the bedtime environment. These small changes have proven to significantly improve the quality and length of sleep for many people. Details of these methods are outlined below:

Daytime habits

  • Avoid napping during the day
  • Partake in at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day, such as walking, jogging or cycling. However, avoid exercising immediately before attempting to sleep. It is recommended not to exercise vigorously within four hours of the proposed sleep time
  • Set a specific time for waking up each morning. This routine should try to be enforced even if you feel you haven’t had enough sleep. This should make it easier to get off to sleep at night

Bedtime habits

  • Avoid caffeine for at least three to four hours prior to bedtime
  • Avoid alcohol and smoking, particularly shortly before bedtime
  • Avoid eating a big meal a couple of hours before going to bed
  • Only retire to your bed when you feel tired, even if this means staying up later. This should encourage falling asleep more quickly
  • Avoid using backlit devices an hour before going to bed. These devices include; TV’s, smartphones, tablets and computers
  • Attempt to create a relaxing bedtime routine. For example, taking a bath, listening to tranquil music, and drinking a warm, milky drink. These activities, through association with sleep, will help to induce drowsiness
  • Avoid regularly using over-the-counter insomnia medicines, as they fail to tackle the underlying problem
  • Avoid lying in bed feeling anxious about a lack of sleep. In these circumstances is it better to get up, go to another room for about half an hour and focus on doing something else, such as reading a book or listening to mellow music
  • Write a list of any worries and attempt to solve them before retiring to bed. This is designed to help the mind switch-off from any problems it has

Bedroom environment

  • Ensure the bedroom environment is at a comfortable temperature for sleep
  • Use thick curtains or blackout blinds to create a suitably darkened environment. Alternatively, use an eye mask
  • Wear earplugs, if noise is a problem
  • Restrict the use of the bedroom for only sleeping and sex. Avoid watching TV, using smart devices, eating or working whilst in bed
  • Ensure your mattress and pillows are comfortable and that your bedding is appropriate for the time of the year

How can I treat Insomnia?

In many cases, insomnia can be treated by making simple changes to your bedtime habits, which is also known as ‘sleep hygiene’ (see ‘Prevention’). If these prove unsuccessful, and your symptoms have persisted for longer than four weeks, your doctor may suggest other treatments. These can include:

Cognitive behavioural therapy-insomnia (CBT-I)

This form of treatment aims to change the unhelpful thoughts and behaviours that may be causing your insomnia. It has been proven to be an effective form of treatment, providing long-lasting results for many people. CBT-I can include the following:

  • Stimulus-control therapy – uses an association method to link the bedroom environment with sleep. This aims to establish a consistent sleep/wake pattern.
  • Sleep restriction therapy – this therapy aims to limit the amount of time spent in bed for any purpose other than sleeping. This can create a mild form of sleep deprivation, which in time can be reduced as the sleeping patterns improve.
  • Relaxation training – this method looks to reduce any tensions or intrusive thoughts that may be interfering with sleep.
  • Paradoxical intention – this approach is used if a person has trouble achieving sleep, rather than those who cannot maintain their sleep. It uses the technique of encouraging the sufferer to try and stay awake for as long as possible; deliberately avoiding the intention of falling asleep.
  • Biofeedback – this uses sensors that are placed on the body. They measure bodily functions, such as muscle tension and heart rate. These sensors then relay the data to an accompanying machine, which produces pictures and sounds to help the sufferer identify when they are not relaxed.

In some cases, CBT-I can be carried out by a specially trained doctor. Alternatively, you will be referred to a clinical psychologist.

Sleeping tablets

Sleeping tablets can also be referred to as hypnotics. These are medicines that are designed to encourage sleep. They are generally not the first line of treatment and will only be considered should the following apply:

  • The insomnia is severe.
  • If good sleep hygiene and CBT-I have been attempted and failed.
  • For use as a temporary measure to help ease short-term symptoms.

Doctors are normally reluctant to recommend sleeping tablets for long-term use as they only mask the symptoms without tackling any underlying causes. Also, they can produce potentially harmful side-effects, such as dependency and excessive drowsiness the following morning. If they are recommended, it is advised to take the lowest possible dose for the shortest time necessary, which is usually two to four weeks.

There are many different types of sleeping tablets. The differences are outlined below:

  • Over-the-counter sleeping tablets – the majority of over-the-counter remedies contain a type of antihistamine, which helps to induce drowsiness. They can be a useful treatment for short-term insomnia of known cause. These remedies can cause unwanted side-effects, such as feeling drowsy the next morning, especially if the dose is too high. Examples of over-the-counter sleeping tablets include; Nytol and Sominex.
  • Benzodiazepines – These are prescription-only medicines that help to reduce anxiety and promote calmness, relaxation and sleep. Your doctor may prescribe Benzodiazepines for short-term use if a patient is suffering from severe insomnia. It isn’t recommended for long-term use as they carry the risk of dependency. Also, their effects can become less effective with continual usage. Examples of benzodiazepines include; Temazepam, Diazepam and Nitrazepam.
  • Z-drugs – these medicines are fairly new and work in a similar way to Benzodiazepines. They are prescription-only-medicines, which are usually only prescribed for a maximum of two to four weeks. Examples of Z-drugs include; Zaleplon, Zolpidem and Zopiclone.
  • Melatonin – The active ingredient, Melatonin, occurs naturally in the body and is responsible for regulating the sleep cycle. Melatonin is sometimes used to help promote sleep for people over 55 years of age. Melatonin can also be used as a treatment for Jet Lag. This medicine is only available with a valid prescription. Melatonin helps to produce a more natural sleep than other insomnia treatments as it helps to mimic the body's natural rhythms.

Insomnia FAQs

  • Insomnia is basically characterised as an inability to fall, or stay asleep.

    Insomnia is quite often an associated symptom of another condition, such as depression or anxiety. Insomnia is a common problem in the UK, affecting approximately one in every three people. It is particularly common amongst the elderly.

  • Bouts of insomnia can be triggered by a variety of factors. Unfortunately, the cause is not always clear, but often, insomnia can be associated with the following:
    • Stress and anxiety.
    • A poor sleeping environment – this can include too much light or noise, an uncomfortable bed, or hot and cold temperatures.
    • Physical health conditions, such as chronic pain, sleep disorders or heart problems.
    • Mental health conditions, such as schizophrenia and clinical depression
    • Certain medicines can cause insomnia as a side-effect. These include certain antidepressants, epilepsy medication and steroid medicines.
  • Insomnia sufferers will likely experience at least one of the following symptoms:
    • A difficulty in falling asleep.
    • Being awake for long periods of the night.
    • Waking up several times during the night.
    • Waking up too early in the morning and not being able to get back to sleep.
    • Not feeling refreshed after waking up.
    • An inability to nap during the day, despite being tired.
    • Feeling tired and irritable during the day.
    • Difficulty in concentrating.
  • Occasional episodes of insomnia can come and go without posing any serious problems. However, for some, insomnia can last for several weeks, months, or even years at a time. This persistent form of insomnia can significantly impact a persons quality of life.
  • There are a number of techniques and self-help tips that can help you to get a good nights sleep.
    These include:
    • Having a consistent and regular sleeping regime, setting specific times for retiring to bed and for waking up.
    • Attempt to relax before bedtime. Try having a warm, relaxing bath, or listen to some soft, calming music.
    • Use thick curtains or blackout blinds to reduce the amount of light in your sleeping environment.
    • Use earplugs to block out any unwanted noise.
    • Avoid drinking caffeine and alcohol for at least a few hours prior to bedtime.
    • Avoid eating heavy meals before going to bed.
    • Try to avoid using technology with black-lit screens shortly before going to bed. This includes; TVs, smartphones, tablets, or computers.
    • Try not to nap during the day.
    • Write a list of your problems and then jot down potential solutions. Doing this before bedtime will help your anxious mind switch off until morning.
    Some sufferers find over-the-counter sleeping tablets helpful, however, they fail to address the underlying problems and carry the risk of some troublesome side-effects. Examples of over-the–counter sleeping tablets include:
    • Nytol
    • Sominex
  • It is advised to speak to your GP should any lack of sleep begin to affect your daily life. This is particularly the case if the problem has persisted for one month or longer.
    Your doctor may ask about your sleeping and lifestyle habits. They will also check your medical history for any illness or medication that may be contributing to your insomnia. It will probably be recommended that you start to keep a sleep diary. This will usually cover a period of about two weeks and is aimed at providing your doctor with a better understanding of your sleep patterns. The sleep diary will consist of logging all the key aspects of your bedtime routine, including:
    • The time you go to bed.
    • The time you wake up.
    • How long it takes to fall asleep.
    • How many times you wake up during the night.
  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) is a method for treating insomnia. It can be practiced on its own, or used in conjunction with medication.
    The first stage of CBT-I looks at identifying the underlying causes of the insomnia. Once identified, CBT-I aims to alter the behaviours and thought patterns that are contributing to the insomnia. For many sufferers, CBT-I has proven to have long-lasting results.
  • Before opting for treatment, your GP will first attempt to identify any underlying health issue that might be causing the insomnia, such as anxiety. They may also reiterate the self-help tips outlined above ( Is there anything I can do about my insomnia? ).
    In some cases, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) may be suggested. This type of therapy involves talking to a qualified therapist who will attempt to help you avoid the thoughts and behaviours that are affecting your sleep. This is normally the first line of recommended treatment, which, if successful, can lead to long-term improvement.
    Prescription medicines are typically only used as a last resort. This is because they fail to treat the underlying cause of the insomnia. They also carry the risk of several unwanted side-effects, and with repeated use they can often become less effective. If sleeping tablets are prescribed, they should only be used for short spells of a few days or weeks at a time. Examples of prescription sleeping tablets include:
    • Zopiclone (Zimovane)
    • Zolpidem (Stilnoct)
  • In the majority of cases, insomnia isn't life-threatening.
    Bouts of insomnia will be experienced by most adults during the course of their life, and in most cases, the condition will usually resolve itself. If insomnia is a secondary symptom to obstructive, complex, or central sleep apnoea, then under these circumstances, it can potentially be life-threatening. However, it is important to recognise that the insomnia itself is not the danger, but rather the cause of the insomnia.
  • If the insomnia is being caused by an underlying health issue, then the best way to prevent it is to address and manage the issue causing the problem. For example, if insomnia is being triggered by anxiety, then tackling the cause of the anxiety will help relieve the associated insomnia.
    Practicing good sleep hygiene techniques can help prevent insomnia. Good sleep hygiene refers to adopting habits and practices that are conducive to sleeping well on a regular basis. Listed below are some good sleep hygiene practices that have proven effective at preventing insomnia.
    • Wake up at the same time every day – if you're prone to bouts of insomnia, it is beneficial to have a regular get- up time every day. This will help the body to ingrain a consistent sleep pattern.
    • Eliminate stimulants, such as alcohol, caffeine and nicotine – the effects of stimulants like caffeine can remain in the body for several hours. It is advised not to consume or inhale anything stimulating for at least a few hours prior to going to bed.
    • Avoid eating before going to bed – eating late can activate the digestive system, which can potentially keep you up. If a sufferer of acid reflux or heartburn, it is particularly important to avoid eating and drinking directly before bed, as this can exacerbate your symptoms.
    • Avoid drinking before bedtime – drinking lots of fluid can overwhelm your bladder, which will lead to frequent awakenings for visits to the toilet. These arousals will interrupt your sleep.
    • Regular exercise – this will help to improve both the quality and quantity of your sleep. However, it is important not to exercise immediately before bed, as this can have a stimulating effect on the bodys metabolism, which is not conducive to sleep.
    • Create a comfortable sleeping environment – factors such as temperature, noise levels and lighting should all be set at a level that encourages sleep. These factors may vary from person to person. For example, some people require silence to help them sleep, whilst others prefer some soft background noise. It is also extremely important that your bed feels comfortable.
    • Reducing stress – there are a number of techniques and therapies designed to relax the mind and body prior to going to bed. For example, deep breathing techniques, meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation.
    • Limit activities in bed to sleeping and sex – if you suffer from insomnia, it is important to avoid any activity that could potentially increase your alertness, such as admin tasks or watching TV - the bed should only be associated with sleep.
    • Limit napping during the day – catching up on lost sleep by napping can affect the quality of your night-time slumber. It is recommended to avoid, or at least limit daytime naps if possible.

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