INSOMNIA DEFINED

What exactly is the difference between insomnia and just having a poor night's sleep now and then?  This article from NHS Choices spells out the definition of insomnia for us. If you tick some these boxes, it's time to take control of your sleeping. Here goes...

Sleeping trouble is the most widely reported psychological disorder in the UK, affecting a third of the population. Insomnia is defined as difficulty getting to sleep, difficulty staying asleep or having non-refreshing sleep. Having insomnia means that these difficulties happen three or more times a week, persist for at least a month and can affect our ability to function properly during the day. Persistent insomnia can affect personal lives and performance at work, and delay recovery after your illness. It's also a major cause of depression.  

Symptoms can include:

- lying awake for a long time before falling asleep

- waking up several times in the middle of the night

- waking up early and not being able to get back to sleep

- feeling tired and unrefreshed by sleep

- inability to concentrate during the day

- irritability due to lack of sleep  

Most people with insomnia report having low energy during the daytime, but few of them feel sleepy, says Professor Kevin Morgan of Loughborough University's Sleep Research Centre. “Instead, they stay in a wakened state, feeling tired, lethargic and without vitality,” he says.  

Check out How to Sleep Beautifully for sleep tips and suggestions.  

Read the whole NHS Article here