Counting sheep not getting you to sleep? Whether the problem's getting to sleep in the first place, or staying asleep long enough to feel refreshed the next day, many people have difficulty sleeping so you're not alone.
For some people it is possible to find the root of the problem. For others, there seems to be no apparent reason for their sleeplessness.
Some common causes of disrupted sleep include:
- Too much alcohol, tobacco or caffeine.
- Taking recreational drugs such as ecstasy.
- Depression, anxiety, or stress.
- Taking medications such as antidepressants or steroids.
- Withdrawing from certain medications, such as antidepressants.
- Traumatic life events, such as a bereavement or redundancy.
- Having jet lag or doing shift work.
- Being unwell, including being in pain.
- Snoring that interferes with your breathing (sleep apnoea), or a partner snoring.