If you are lying awake wondering why you can't sleep, you are far from alone. Insomnia, meaning difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking too early, is one of the most common health complaints in the UK. The reasons range from stress and lifestyle to underlying health conditions, and the good news is that effective treatments exist. This guide explains the causes and what actually helps. Where a short-term prescription is appropriate, options such as Circadin melatonin are considered only after a clinical assessment.
What Counts as Insomnia?
Most people have the odd bad night, and that is normal. Insomnia is when poor sleep happens regularly, typically three or more nights a week, and starts to affect how you feel and function during the day. It is described as short-term when it lasts up to a few weeks, often tied to a clear trigger, and long-term, or chronic, when it persists for three months or more.
Why Can't You Sleep? The Common Causes
Insomnia usually has more than one
