Nhs Insomnia Self Help
In fact roughly half of the elderly population complains of insomnia.
Nhs insomnia self help. A recent study found that as many as 30 of the adult population are affected by sleep problems. Use an alarm to help with this. Unlike sleeping pills cbti helps you overcome the underlying causes of your sleep problems rather than just alleviating the symptoms. Create a relaxing bedtime ritual such as taking a hot bath reading soft music breathing exercises yoga or prayer.
One study in america found that only 5 of adults reported never having trouble sleeping. A warm bath or a massage before bedtime can help prepare you for sleep. Then share the results with your doctor. Cbt for insomnia cbti cbti is recommended as the best starting point for treating insomnia that has lasted for long term insomnia insomnia that has lasted for more than four weeks.
Sleeping tablets hypnotics are medications that encourage sleep. This insomnia test can help answer the question do i have insomnia insomnia is a problem getting to sleep or staying asleep and is by far the most common sleep complaint. Our self help guides are available to download in several formats. If your insomnia is severe.
How you can treat insomnia yourself go to bed and wake up at the same time every day only go to bed when you feel tired relax at least 1 hour before bed for example take a bath or read a book make sure your bedroom is dark and quiet use thick curtains blinds an eye mask or ear plugs. But make sure you do not do vigorous exercise such as running or the gym too close to bedtime as it may keep you awake. Work through a self help guide that uses cognitive behavioural therapy cbt and expert advice to manage sleep problems. Remember this test cannot provide a diagnosis.
Cut down on caffeine. Do not use weekends to catch up on sleep as this may upset the natural body rhythm that you have got used to in the week. Take the insomnia test and see if you have the symptoms of insomnia. Avoid trying too hard to sleep.
Information available on abuse alcohol anxiety bereavement controlling anger depression domestic violence eating disorders hearing voices obsessions and compulsions panic post traumatic stress postnatal depression self harm shyness social anxiety sleeping problems and stress. Resist the temptation to lie in even after a poor night s sleep. Self help books and online courses may also be used. In the past they were frequently used to help with insomnia but they re used much less often nowadays.
Try to put your worries and planning aside when you get into bed. They will generally only be considered. Always get up at the same time each day seven days a week however short the time asleep.