The Sleepless Organisation was setup in 2006 to help people with sleep problems.  Sleep is a fundamental biological function, as essential as breathing or eating.  Yet this basic function still remains something of a scientific mystery.

We don't usually need to think very much about our sleep - it's just a part of life that we take for granted.  When we can't sleep, though, it can be a real problem.  In fact, most of us will find it hard to sleep at some point in our lives.  We have a word for it - insomnia.  It's often just for a short time, perhaps when we're worried or excited.  After a few days, things settle down and we get back to sleep normally.  However, we need sleep to keep our minds and bodies healthy.  If we carry on sleeping badly, we start to notice the effects.

We bring you a selection of sleep essentials, comfort essentials, relaxation products and services available locally.  To find your local Sleepless In (your county) website - click on find my local store.

Don't forget to try this first... 

Do's...

• Make sure that your bed and bedroom are comfortable - not too hot, not too cold, not too noisy.
• Make sure that your mattress supports you properly. It should not be so firm that your hips and shoulders are under pressure or so soft that your body sags. Generally, you should replace your mattress every 10 years to get the best support and comfort.
• Get some exercise. Don't overdo it, but try some regular swimming or walking. The best time to exercise is in the daytime - particularly late afternoon or early evening. Exercising later than this may disturb your sleep.
• Take some time to relax properly before going to bed. Some people find aromatherapy helpful.
• If something is troubling you, and there is nothing you can do about it right away, try writing it down before going to bed and then tell yourself to deal with it tomorrow.
• If you can't sleep, get up and do something you find relaxing. Read, watch television or listen to quiet music. After a while you should feel tired enough to go to bed again.

Don'ts...

• Don't go without sleep for a long time - go to bed when you are tired and stick to a routine of getting up at the same time every day, whether you still feel tired or not.
• Caffeine hangs around in your body for many hours after your last drink of tea or coffee. Stop drinking tea or coffee by mid-afternoon. If you want a hot drink in the evening, try something milky or herbal (but check there's no caffeine in it).
• Don't drink a lot of alcohol. It may help you fall asleep, but you will almost certainly wake up during the night.
• Don't eat or drink a lot late at night. Try to have your supper early in the evening rather than late.
• If you've had a bad night, don't sleep in the next day - it will make it harder to get off to sleep the following night.
  

If you try these tips and you still can't sleep, go and see your doctor. You can talk over any problems that may be stopping you from sleeping. Your doctor can make sure that your sleeplessness is not being caused by a physical illness, a prescribed medicine, or emotional problems. There is some evidence that cognitive behavioural therapy (see above), can be helpful if your sleeplessness has gone on for a long time.