As many people know, the cost of living is rising with more and more people switching off their heating in a bid to save a few extra pounds each month.
Whether it's the cost of electricity bills, the weekly shopping or other things in your life that cause you to panic, it can all add up and become stressful.
As with most stress, we can lay awake at night thinking about what's bothering us and before we know it, we've developed insomnia.
Whilst many people turn to the television or reading a book to help relax them, others try sleeping pills in a bid to help them get more shuteye.
According to the NHS, on average, an adult needs seven to nine hours of sleep whilst children need nine to 13. In addition, toddlers and babies need 12 to 17 hours.
And whilst many can find it hard to stay asleep, one NHS doctor has issued a warning about sleeping pills.
Taking to TikTok Dr Karanr - an NHS surgeon and social media medical educator - has said that these pills could cause more harm than good.
He explained: "Pills work by boosting the production of a neurotransmitter called Gaba which basically quietens down the activity of neurons in our brain - similar to how alcohol works.
"The problem is that they're both sedative agents - they don't provide natural sleep.
"And there's some evidence to suggest they may restrict the deeper brain waves seen in non-REM sleep.
"This is the restorative phase of sleep and could leave you to feel forgetful and groggy the next morning.
"There's also the potential for rebound insomnia which means that insomnia worsens once you stop taking the drugs. There's also the risk of withdrawal.
"If you are chronically struggling with insomnia, look up CBTI."
This stands for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia.
Doctor Karanr explains: "It's as effective as sleeping pills in the short term and way more effective in the long term."
Later on he took to the video comments and added: "Remember sleeping pills aren’t a long term solution but in some cases may provide *temporary* relief if prescribed for you by your doctor!"
What is insomnia and what are the symptoms according to the NHS?
Insomnia means you regularly have problems sleeping. It usually gets better by changing your sleeping habits.
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 NHS say 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 to help your insomnia
The NHS have said you should DO these:
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
The NHS have said you should NOT do these:
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
If stress if a major factor in your life and you think it could be the cause of your insomnia, pleas seek help.
The FREE Samaritans helpline is 116 123 and is open 24 hours, 7 days a week. Calls can be made anytime, from any phone. All calls are confidential.
The Breathing Space helpline is open Weekdays: Monday-Thursday 6pm to 2am and Weekends: Friday 6pm-Monday 6am - All calls are confidential - 0800 83 85 87
If your GP is not available, you can call NHS 24 by dialling 111.
