To begin with, it’s important to realise that everyone has different sleeping patterns and this sleep information may not apply to your particular sleep problem. For example, some people need ten hours of sleep just to feel refreshed, whilst others function quite normally on four or five hours. The definition of insomnia as a sleep problem therefore will depend on your individual needs and situation.

Simply put, insomnia is a difficulty in falling asleep or obtaining enough sleep to function. This may manifest as an inability to fall asleep; a tendency to wake frequently; or waking too early in the morning. This can lead to tiredness, frustration and difficulty functioning normally.

Finding good sleep information may help you to solve your insomnia problem – but it is likely that you will need to take some action in your waking life to alleviate the insomnia. Reading sleep disorder articles and other sleep information is only the beginning!

Probably the most common cause of insomnia and other sleep problems is stress. Unfortunately, insomnia can itself be a contributing factor in causing too much stress – and the sleep problem sufferer can end up caught in a vicious cycle of exhaustion and worry.

The most useful piece of sleep information may be that around a third of the population suffers from insomnia at some point – it’s such a common sleep problem that you won’t have any difficulty finding other sleep disorder articles on the internet! Sifting through that information may seem daunting however – let’s have a look at the most common ways to treat insomnia:

Lifestyle and health: Often people with insomnia and sleep disorders tend to be consuming too much alcohol or caffeine. Try limiting your intake or cutting down on how much coffee or alcohol you are drinking – if you think you may need help then contact your health practitioner or local support group for advice. A healthy diet and plenty of exercise and fresh air can also help promote a good night’s sleep – once again, consult your doctor before embarking on any fitness programme. It’s best to make any lifestyle changes gradually to avoid shock to your system.

Sleeping environment: Noise or disturbance in your bedroom is unlikely to lead to a restful night’s sleep. Perhaps you need insulation or darker curtains to help cut out sound or light pollution – or maybe you need to work out how to quiet down the neighbor’s dog! Taking the trouble to make your sleeping area a comfortable and relaxing space could help you to get a sound night’s sleep – well worth the effort.

Other help: Your doctor may suggest a prescription of medication to help with a temporary sleep problem. However, sleep information suggests that this should only be used as a short term measure. There are herbal, over the counter remedies that may be less habit forming and gentler on your system – valerian and hops is one quite powerful herbal combination that helps some sufferers. Meditation and other relaxation methods have been shown to be very effective in alleviating stress and aiding sleep. There are many books available on the subject, or you could contact your fitness centre to enquire about yoga classes. Light exercise, combined with relaxation can be very helpful.