HealthUnlockedHealthUnlocked
AboutLog in

Experiences with

Insomnia

Check if you have insomnia

You have insomnia if you regularly:

  • find it hard to go to sleep
  • wake up several times during the night
  • lie awake at night
  • wake up early and cannot go back to sleep
  • still feel tired after waking up
  • find it hard to nap during the day even though you're tired
  • feel tired and irritable during the day
  • find it difficult to concentrate during the day because you're tired

If you have insomnia for a short time (less than 3 months) it’s called short-term insomnia. Insomnia that lasts 3 months or longer is called long-term insomnia.

What causes insomnia

The most common causes are:

  • stress, anxiety or depression
  • noise
  • a room that's too hot or cold
  • uncomfortable beds
  • alcohol, caffeine or nicotine
  • recreational drugs like cocaine or ecstasy
  • jet lag
  • shift work

How you can treat insomnia yourself

Insomnia usually gets better by changing your sleeping habits.

  • go to bed and wake up at the same time every day

  • 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 curtains, blinds, an eye mask or ear plugs if needed

  • exercise regularly during the day

  • make sure your mattress, pillows and covers are comfortable

  • do not smoke or drink alcohol, tea or coffee at least 6 hours before going to bed

  • do not eat a big meal late at night

  • do not exercise at least 4 hours before bed

  • do not watch television or use devices, like smartphones, right before going to bed, because the bright light makes you more awake

  • do not nap during the day

  • do not drive when you feel sleepy

  • do not sleep in after a bad night's sleep and stick to your regular sleeping hours instead

Treatment from a GP

A GP will try to find out what's causing your insomnia so you get the right treatment.

Sometimes you'll be referred to a therapist for cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).

This can help you change the thoughts and behaviours that keep you from sleeping.

You may be referred to a sleep clinic if you have symptoms of another sleep disorder such as sleep apnoea.

GPs now rarely prescribe sleeping pills to treat insomnia. Sleeping pills can have serious side effects and you can become dependent on them.

Sleeping pills are only prescribed for a few days, or weeks at the most, if:

  • your insomnia is very bad
  • other treatments have not worked

Symptoms of insomnia include finding it hard to fall asleep, waking up several times during the night and feeling tired during the day.

You can help improve insomnia by making changes to your sleep habits, such as having a bedtime routine and not eating or drinking shortly before bed.

Common causes of insomnia include stress, anxiety, too much noise at night, your bedroom being too hot or cold and drinks containing caffeine.

Related links

Insomnia

HealthUnlocked contains information from NHS Digital, licensed under the current version of the Open Government Licence

  • Posts

  • Communities

6,917 public posts

Insomnia

Hi, Can any of my fellow PMR sufferers advise on sleep problems? I have been on pred for five years now. Currently on 7mg which I cannot seem to get below. Even dropping to 6 1/2 causes pain so I guess I am at my ceiling for now. The lack of sleep is a big problem though. Sometimes I get only one
Hi, Can any of my fellow PMR sufferers advise on sleep problems? I have been on pred for five years now. Currently on 7mg which I cannot seem to get below. Even dropping to 6 1/2 causes pain so I guess I am at my ceiling for now. The lack of sleep is a big problem though. Sometimes I get only one
Bleakley1 profile image
Bleakley1
in PMRGCAuk

Insomnia

Hi folks hope all’s well with everyone! That’s me up to 50mcg of Tiromel from last week and seem to be tolerating it It’s about three months now that I have gradually upped my dose Thing is I am still a chronic insomniac and feel this is stopping me healing and feeling the full benefits of the T3
Hi folks hope all’s well with everyone! That’s me up to 50mcg of Tiromel from last week and seem to be tolerating it It’s about three months now that I have gradually upped my dose Thing is I am still a chronic insomniac and feel this is stopping me healing and feeling the full benefits of the T3
jacobite33 profile image
jacobite33
in Thyroid UK

Insomnia

I’ve been taking hydroxychloroquine for my lupus for months now and it’s been great but the insomnia is crazy it doesn’t matter what time of the day I take it I just can’t sleep and it’s getting to the point I want to stop taking it . I’ve tried meditation ,no caffeine everything nothing works .
I’ve been taking hydroxychloroquine for my lupus for months now and it’s been great but the insomnia is crazy it doesn’t matter what time of the day I take it I just can’t sleep and it’s getting to the point I want to stop taking it . I’ve tried meditation ,no caffeine everything nothing works .
Kazfie profile image
Kazfie
in LUPUS UK
Want to take advantage of all our features? Just log in!
or

Insomnia and Gabapentin

I am taking 600mg gabapentin after coming off 0.5mg of ropinerole about three weeks ago but suffering from insomnia and awake most of the night. Is this insomnia part of the ropinerole withdrawal process?
I am taking 600mg gabapentin after coming off 0.5mg of ropinerole about three weeks ago but suffering from insomnia and awake most of the night. Is this insomnia part of the ropinerole withdrawal process?
dahon profile image
dahon
in Restless Legs Syndrome

Just out of hospital

Has anyone else had the above symptond and having shakes and aches in all my limbs and also really bad insomnia.
Has anyone else had the above symptond and having shakes and aches in all my limbs and also really bad insomnia.
sunsation1 profile image
sunsation1
in Thyroid UK

Hot Flushes & RLS

Wondering what people’s experience of hot flushes exacerbating RLS and/or insomnia and how they manage them.
Wondering what people’s experience of hot flushes exacerbating RLS and/or insomnia and how they manage them.
Nightwalker6 profile image
Nightwalker6
in Restless Legs Syndrome

Insomnia On Gabapentin Anyone??

Until reading a couple posts about gabapentin I didn’t realize gaba could cause insomnia. When I first started taking it I was led to believe it could actually help me go to sleep. At first the gaba seemed to really help but now it seems to not be doing as well.
Until reading a couple posts about gabapentin I didn’t realize gaba could cause insomnia. When I first started taking it I was led to believe it could actually help me go to sleep. At first the gaba seemed to really help but now it seems to not be doing as well.
Woody4 profile image
Woody4
in Restless Legs Syndrome

Levothyroxine giving me insomnia?

I can't think what else the insomnia could be due to. Has anyone dropped 25mg and felt ok?
I can't think what else the insomnia could be due to. Has anyone dropped 25mg and felt ok?
Candyboxx profile image
Candyboxx
in Thyroid UK

Insomnia induced by opiods

I have been struggling forever with insomnia caused by taking opiods for RLS. Like many of you here it's worth it because the relief from RLS is so wonderful. I recently added Olanzapine 5mg at night for sleep. I know it's on the naughty list as it tends to increase RLS symptoms.
I have been struggling forever with insomnia caused by taking opiods for RLS. Like many of you here it's worth it because the relief from RLS is so wonderful. I recently added Olanzapine 5mg at night for sleep. I know it's on the naughty list as it tends to increase RLS symptoms.
ziggypiggy profile image
ziggypiggy
in Restless Legs Syndrome

PAWS

I am having a insomnia with high amount of anxiety or depression you can call it from almost 1 month .
I am having a insomnia with high amount of anxiety or depression you can call it from almost 1 month .
Aamir510 profile image
Aamir510
in Anxiety Support

Foods causing insomnia

I’ve recently become sensitive to paprika, chilli, in that even small amounts in my evening meal cause insomnia. I can fall asleep but will have night waking and difficulty getting back to sleep.
I’ve recently become sensitive to paprika, chilli, in that even small amounts in my evening meal cause insomnia. I can fall asleep but will have night waking and difficulty getting back to sleep.
Lumpymom profile image
Lumpymom
in Thyroid UK

Foods causing insomnia

I’ve recently become sensitive to paprika, chilli, in that even small amounts in my evening meal cause insomnia. I can fall asleep but will have night waking and difficulty getting back to sleep.
I’ve recently become sensitive to paprika, chilli, in that even small amounts in my evening meal cause insomnia. I can fall asleep but will have night waking and difficulty getting back to sleep.
Lumpymom profile image
Lumpymom
in Gluten Free Guerrillas

Insomnia on Levothyroxine

Initially I had excessive fatigue and extremely long sleeps pre-diagnosis, and now I'm up to 100mcg levothyroxine (spot on for my weight) I'm having insomnia nearly every night... I always wake about 2am, often with thumping heartbeat, and really struggle to get back to sleep.
Initially I had excessive fatigue and extremely long sleeps pre-diagnosis, and now I'm up to 100mcg levothyroxine (spot on for my weight) I'm having insomnia nearly every night... I always wake about 2am, often with thumping heartbeat, and really struggle to get back to sleep.
junebug7 profile image
junebug7
in Thyroid UK

some one with opioid-induced insomnia. I need help from you.

I need help from those who suffers from opioid-induced insomnia. I still suffer from severe insomnia from oxycodone I am taking. I hardly get 2 hours sleep every night without any sleeping meds. The Xanax I only take three to four days a week for fear of tolerance and loss effect eventually.
I need help from those who suffers from opioid-induced insomnia. I still suffer from severe insomnia from oxycodone I am taking. I hardly get 2 hours sleep every night without any sleeping meds. The Xanax I only take three to four days a week for fear of tolerance and loss effect eventually.
halperinchen profile image
halperinchen
in Restless Legs Syndrome

Anxiety and insomnia in PD

My husband was diagnosed with PD 3 years ago, and his 2 most disturbing symptoms have been anxiety and insomnia. After 7 months of experimentation with meds, his anxiety was relieved by Venlafaxine. However the insomnia was a constant battle.
My husband was diagnosed with PD 3 years ago, and his 2 most disturbing symptoms have been anxiety and insomnia. After 7 months of experimentation with meds, his anxiety was relieved by Venlafaxine. However the insomnia was a constant battle.
FutureWell profile image
FutureWell
in Cure Parkinson's

Prednisolone insomnia / little sleep

Hi all, I have been taking 10mg prednisolone steroids first thing every morning since egg collection (for high uNK cells), and am now 4 weeks & 3 days pregnant after a fresh transfer. I am so so grateful for this miracle BFP, genuinely cannot believe our luck, however I am getting max. 4-5hrs sleep
Hi all, I have been taking 10mg prednisolone steroids first thing every morning since egg collection (for high uNK cells), and am now 4 weeks & 3 days pregnant after a fresh transfer. I am so so grateful for this miracle BFP, genuinely cannot believe our luck, however I am getting max. 4-5hrs sleep
Wonder_Dog profile image
Wonder_Dog
in Fertility Network UK

Very high active b12, off supplementing

I am suffering anxiety and insomnia and wondering if it could be the high b12 doing this. Please help I am so anxious I have done this to myself
I am suffering anxiety and insomnia and wondering if it could be the high b12 doing this. Please help I am so anxious I have done this to myself
Mintymoomoo profile image
Mintymoomoo
in Pernicious Anaemia Society

medication for insomnia

hi, everyone, would you please share with me the best medication for insomnia? I suffer from sleeplessness every night and can't find the effective medication to conquer the problem. Trazodone and ambient don't seem to work for me. Do you have any other suggestions?
hi, everyone, would you please share with me the best medication for insomnia? I suffer from sleeplessness every night and can't find the effective medication to conquer the problem. Trazodone and ambient don't seem to work for me. Do you have any other suggestions?
halperinchen profile image
halperinchen
in Restless Legs Syndrome

Melatonin and night time Afib. An observation

I have been taking 5mg of Melatonin on and off through the years to manage bouts of insomnia.
I have been taking 5mg of Melatonin on and off through the years to manage bouts of insomnia.
MisterMagoo profile image
MisterMagoo
in AF Association

Will lack of sleep and stress make FET fail?

I’m 5dpt and have been having insomnia. The worst one was last night when our senior dog was really sick. I didn’t sleep all night and can’t sleep now. I’m worried the stress will make my FET fail. Try to calm myself by drinking some calming tea, but hasn’t helped.
I’m 5dpt and have been having insomnia. The worst one was last night when our senior dog was really sick. I didn’t sleep all night and can’t sleep now. I’m worried the stress will make my FET fail. Try to calm myself by drinking some calming tea, but hasn’t helped.
Liediana81 profile image
Liediana81
in Fertility Network UK
  • 1
  • 2
  • ...
  • 100
  • Next page
  • 10
  • 20
  • 30
  • 40
  • 50
  • 60
  • 70
  • 80
  • 90
  • 100
Filter results
Posted in
Sort by
HealthUnlocked
© 2022 All rights reserved.

Company

About Us

Our Team

Partner with us

Careers

Product

Health terms A to Z

Communities A to Z

Start a Community

Support

Help Centre

Community Guidelines

Contact us

Cookies settings