We offer sleep therapies for insomnia in Southend-on-Sea, Essex at The Body Matters. Insomnia therapies for sleeping trouble are available from our clinic based in Leigh-on-Sea, in Southend-on-Sea, Essex. We also offer telephone & online support for insomnia and remote consultations if required. Call us on 01702 714968 for more information.
What is insomnia?
If you are feeling lethargic but struggling to fall asleep no matter how tired you are and waking several times during the night, then you are suffering from the symptoms of insomnia. Insomnia is also known as sleeplessness and is classed as a sleep disorder. It is estimated that a third of people in the UK will suffer from insomnia at some point during their lives.
Common symptoms include:
- Not being able to fall asleep.
- Waking several times during the night.
- Fatigue.
- Difficulty concentrating.
- Irritability.
Those suffering from insomnia may have great difficulty falling asleep and/or staying asleep as long as is needed to awaken feeling refreshed the next morning. This means that insomnia is typically accompanied by fatigue, irritability, and a low mood.
What causes insomnia?
Insomnia can stem from various factors, including stress, anxiety, depression, and poor sleep habits. Lifestyle choices such as irregular sleep schedules, excessive caffeine or alcohol consumption, and the use of electronic devices before bedtime can disrupt sleep patterns. Underlying medical conditions such as chronic pain, asthma, gastrointestinal issues, or neurological disorders may also contribute. Medications like certain antidepressants, asthma medications, or stimulants can interfere with sleep. Additionally, environmental factors such as noise, light, or an uncomfortable sleep environment can disrupt sleep. Hormonal changes, particularly in women during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause, may also trigger insomnia.
What are the different types of insomnia?
Insomnia can be classified into different types based on duration and underlying causes. Acute insomnia typically lasts for a short period, often triggered by stress, life events, or changes in the sleep environment. Chronic insomnia persists for months or longer and may be caused by underlying medical conditions, psychiatric disorders, or lifestyle factors. Primary insomnia occurs independently of other conditions, while secondary insomnia is a symptom of underlying health issues like depression, anxiety, or substance abuse. Other types include onset insomnia (difficulty falling asleep), maintenance insomnia (difficulty staying asleep), and comorbid insomnia, which occurs alongside other medical or psychiatric disorders.
What are the effects of insomnia on health and well-being?
Insomnia can lead to daytime fatigue, irritability, difficulty concentrating, memory problems, impaired performance at work or school, mood disturbances, increased risk of accidents, and worsening of underlying health conditions. Healthy sleep is essential. Improving sleep has been proven to increase productivity and reduce the chances of mental health problems developing. Anxiety and stress, depression, anger, grief and trauma are some of the most common causes of insomnia and the symptoms of these conditions are also often highly exacerbated by lack of sleep.
What are the treatment options for insomnia?
Treatment for insomnia may include lifestyle changes (such as improving sleep hygiene practices), relaxation techniques, and stress management.
8 Top Tips to Help You Beat Insomnia
- Be regular; go to bed at the same time each night.
- Eliminate stimulants for several hours before bedtime. This includes nicotine, caffeine, and alcohol.
- Avoid eating late or having a snack before going to bed. Your digestive system will be active and may well wake you up.
- Make the sleeping environment conducive for a good night’s sleep. Lighting, temperature and noise should be comfortable. Use blackout curtains if possible.
- Exercise regularly.
- Avoid daytime napping.
- Avoid watching TV, listening to the radio or working just before bed.
- Reduce stress, and try a relaxation technique or mediation.
Insomnia Sleep Therapies at The Body Matters
Do you find that insomnia strikes you often? Bombarding you with thoughts that result in anxiety, stress and depression? Meditation clears out the clutter in your mind, which lets you slip easily into sleep. We teach meditation to both newcomers and those with meditation practice, with a focus on developing calmness and positive emotions.
Hypnotherapy is another treatment option for insomnia that many people find helpful for tackling sleeplessness. If anxiety or depression, two of the most common causes, are the source of your insomnia, hypnosis may complement any existing treatments by helping you to relax, putting you in a more restful state of mind.
Remote Consultations Available
We continue to use remote consultations to provide our services without physical interaction, if required, by shifting some appointments to video consultations.
Read our Remote Consultations page for more information.
Call 01702 714968 for more information about insomnia sleep therapies in Southend-on-Sea & Leigh-on-Sea in Essex, and find out more about how The Body Matters can help you.
