Sleep is just one of those things that are part of our everyday life and that we take for granted. But problems can occur when we dont sleep.
Sleep problems are very common and is often referred to as insomnia. Most people will find it hard to sleep at some point in their lives and some studies have suggested that sleep problems are particularly common in women, children and people aged over 65.
The amount of sleep we all need and our sleep patterns change with age, although everyone is different.
It is easy to worry when you cant sleep, the occasional night without sleep will make you feel tired the next day, but it will not harm your physical or mental health.
However after a few sleepless nights, you may find that you are tired all the time, you drop off during the day, you may even find it difficult to concentrate and can find it hard to make decisions and may even start to feel depressed. This can become dangerous if you are driving or operating heavy machinery.
There are many reasons for not sleeping well, these may include:
- Your surroundings e.g. the bedroom being too noisy, too hot or too cold or your bed may be uncomfortable
- Disturbed sleep routine - people who work shifts which change frequently often have difficulty adjusting and getting to sleep
- You may not have a regular routine, or may not be getting enough exercise
- Eating too much late at night
- Going to bed hungry can make you wake up early
- Cigarettes, alcohol and drinks containing caffeine such as tea, coffee and some fizzy drinks
- Being unwell
Some more serious casuses may include:
- Emotional problems
- Difficulties at work
- Stress, anxiety and worry
- Depression and low mood
- Thinking over and over about day to day problems
- Medication - this may be a side effect of medication you have been prescribed
One of the first steps of overcoming your sleep problems is finding out any possible causes and trying to look for solutions to these.
There are different options available and it may can be helpful discussing your problems with your GP. Options available may include self help techniques, medicaiton and psychological treatments.
For further details of useful websites to view in regard to ADHD and to see what leaflets and books you can access at our Information Point within DAMH, you can click on the ADHD word document at the top right of this page or alternatively you can click on the contact us at the top of the page to send us a message or request an Information Pack on one of the subjects listed.
Please note:
The information contained within this information pack is for general information only and is not intended to replace or substitute the advice or recommendations given by a medical professional. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the reliability of the information provided, Dundee Association for Mental Health (DAMH) cannot recommend any of the services or resources included or accept any liability for the quality of service they provided.