For some people, going to bed does not always mean falling asleep. They may lie awake for hours, wake up several times during the night, or wake up too early and struggle to sleep again. When this happens regularly, it can be a sign of insomnia.
Insomnia is a common sleep problem in which a person has difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or getting good-quality sleep. It can affect anyone, including young people and adults.
One common cause is stress. Worries about money, work, school, relationships or family problems can keep the mind active when the body is ready to rest. Instead of relaxing, a person may continue thinking about the problems of the day.
Your daily habits can also affect your sleep. Using a phone or watching television late at night may make it harder to fall asleep, especially when it becomes part of your routine every night. Drinking coffee, energy drinks or other drinks containing caffeine late in the day can also interfere with sleep.
An irregular sleeping schedule can be another problem. Going to bed at very different times each night, sleeping for long hours during the day or working night shifts can make it harder for the body to follow a regular sleep pattern.
Poor sleep can affect more than your energy. After a bad night, you may feel tired, have difficulty concentrating, become easily irritated or struggle to perform normal activities. If poor sleep continues for a long time, it can affect your general wellbeing and daily life.
The good news is that small changes can sometimes improve sleep. Try to go to bed and wake up at similar times every day. Give yourself time to relax before bed and reduce phone use when you are preparing to sleep. Keep your bedroom comfortable, quiet and as dark as possible. It can also help to avoid caffeine late in the day and avoid heavy meals close to bedtime.
If you cannot sleep, do not spend hours becoming frustrated in bed. Get up and do something calm, such as reading, until you feel sleepy again.
However, insomnia should not always be treated as a simple lack of discipline. If sleep problems happen regularly, continue for a long time, or begin affecting your work, studies, relationships or daily activities, it is important to speak with a healthcare professional. They can help identify whether stress, another health problem, medication or another factor is affecting your sleep.
Good sleep is not a luxury. It is an important part of taking care of your body and mind. Paying attention to your sleeping habits and getting help when necessary, can make a big difference in how you feel during the day.