We know that sleep is of great importance to our health and wellbeing, but how much do we need? And if we can’t sleep, what can we do about it?
This page provides information in line with NHS sleep hygiene guidelines and what you can do do help you get better sleep.
According to the NHS website need for sleep varies according to different stages of life:
- Adults need 7 to 9 hours of sleep
- Children need 9 to 13 hours of sleep
- Toddlers and babies need 12 to 17 hours of sleep
Of course everyone is different and so these are a general guideline of what most people will require at these different phases of life.
Everyone will experience occasions when they find it hard to fall asleep or may find themselves waking in the middle of the night. However, if you find this problem going on for a prolonged period of time you could be experiencing insomnia.
Insomnia can last for month or even years, but it does normally improve by changing habits around sleeping. Insomnia experienced for less than 3 months is considered to be short-term insomnia and insomnia that lasts for 3 months or longer is called long-term insomnia.
The following tools can help with providing practical advice on things you can do to help you to get good sleep.
If you are having trouble sleeping, try taking the NHS sleep self-assessment and see what help and advice is recommended for you.
Assess your levels of sleep with the Good Thinking sleep self-assessment.
Use the Good Thinking sleep quiz to help you find the right apps to help you sleep better.
The Mind Plan tool can give you your own personalised plan on simple, practical steps you can take towards improving your mental health including tips on getting better sleep.
If your lack of sleep is affecting your daily life and you feel like you need extra support then help is available.
If you feel like your lack of sleep is having an impact on your daily life and you feel that you need extra support then you can contact Merton Uplift. Alternatively, you can call NHS 111 for help or make an appointment to speak to your GP.
If your lack of sleep is making you distressed or you feel very low and you need to talk to someone as soon as possible then you can always call Samaritans 24 hours a day, 365 days a year on 116 123 on any phone.