Insomnia: how to sleep your way to a healthier day

It is estimated that ten million people in the UK are affected by insomnia and there are more than eighty medically recognized sleep problems.

Anyone can suffer from it, although problems are more common among women (especially menopausal), the ill, the elderly, smokers, and alcoholics.

Insomnia can be very distressing, frustrating and exhausting. Research suggests that people with sleeping difficulties tend to be more worried, depressed, unhappy and anxious than others.

If you are stressed or anxious here are a few suggestions that might help you get to sleep:

• change or resolve the things causing you stress when possible
• don't take on too much and avoid unrealistic demands
• talk to your partner if there are problems in your relationship
• practise a relaxation technique like yoga or hypnosis.