Nearly 23 million people in the United Kingdom are suffering from sleeplessness, and this problem is causing us to sleepwalk into a health crisis.
According to data collected by Direct Line Life Insurance’s “Need for Sleep” campaign, the percentage of adults who report experiencing insomnia has increased from 20% before the epidemic to over 40% presently.
Having problems falling asleep, staying asleep, or getting up early at least three times a week for longer than three months is clinically defined as insomnia.
Distressingly, one in five adults (20%), or about 11 million people, have shown symptoms of all three types of insomnia for over three months.
One in seven people use sleep aids to help them nod off at night, and there has been an increase in the amount of Google searches for insomnia as people explore remedies to their nighttime problems.
Over a third of individuals (35%) routinely struggle to fall asleep quickly and stay asleep throughout the night, suggesting that staying asleep is the primary difficulty for those with insomnia.
While 30% of people report needing more than 15 minutes to get to sleep, 33% of people usually wake up earlier than expected.
Reasons Why Brits Can’t Sleep
Direct Line teamed with Dr. Holly Milling, a certified clinical psychologist and founder of The Sleep Practice, for the study. Dr. Milling believes that the last two years have provided various difficulties, including stress, grief, and isolation.
She notes that the rising prevalence of insomnia in the UK may not be surprising, given that stressful life events are a common cause of sleep disruption.
While the rates of insomnia were already on the rise, the epidemic has undoubtedly played a role in this, according to Miranda Levy, author of The Insomnia Diaries: How I learned to sleep again.
She explains that certain people have always had a higher risk of sleeplessness. “For example, menopausal women, people with a lot on their plates, and those of us who work shift work have all been left with a sleep hangover due to the pandemic.”
According to Levy, the loss of everyday structures during the epidemic may affect people’s sleep even when life is returning to normal.
She also thinks the rising worry caused by the country’s economic crisis is a factor in the country’s widespread sleep problems.
She notes, “it is often difficult to fall asleep when you are suffering from worry.” “As an added bonus, fretting might keep you up at night.
An increase in alcohol consumption could also play a role.
In addition, “I also think people are drinking more,” which affects sleep because your body is still metabolizing the alcohol.
However, chronically sleeping less than eight hours per night is detrimental to our health since it weakens our immune system and raises our risk of developing diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and stroke.
Fortunately, there are measures you may take to combat insomnia and, with any luck, get back to sleeping soundly once more.
1. Keep a regular bedtime routine
Dr. Milling recommends maintaining a regular wake-up hour, especially on the weekends. She thinks it will help you “set your body clock for the day” and sleep better that night. A consistent approach is essential.
2. Put an end to your “I just can’t sleep”
According to Levy, one way to alleviate stress is to adjust one’s outlook and routine concerning getting enough shut-eye. “Keep from thinking, “Oh my goodness, that’s it,” if you’re having trouble sleeping. I’m giving up sleep forever, “I quote what she has to say. If you’re having trouble sleeping, reassure yourself, “I’m a terrific sleeper; I’m just having a poor night.”
Dr. Milling concurs that you shouldn’t freak out if you have a difficult night. Avoid napping if possible, and preserve your regular schedule rather than trying to “catch up” with sleep by sleeping in.
3. Relax before bedtime.
Relax and unwind at the end of each day; you deserve it. Dr. Milling recommends soothing before bed to help the body and mind wind down and get ready for sleep.
4. Go to bed when you’re sleepy
Sleep when you’re sleepy (not just weary), as recommended by Dr. Milling.
5. Get outside early to exercise
According to Levy, getting some fresh air and exercising first thing in the morning can do wonders for your sleep quality later on. She argues that natural light stimulates people because it reduces melatonin levels in the brain. The best way to help you sleep is to go outside and get some exercise first thing in the morning.
6. Seek Help
Dr. Milling worries that we risk normalizing insufficient sleep because so many individuals have trouble getting enough of it.
“We need to make sure that we recognize proper sleep as the life-sustaining process it is, rather than a luxury that we can afford to cut,” “In this case, she elaborates. “Cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBTi) is the standard gold treatment for insomnia, so if you’re worried about your sleep, talk to your doctor or a sleep specialist.
If your doctor advises you to take medications like diazepam, you can purchase them online. There are legit online pharmacies today, like https://www.medsforless.co.uk/diazepam/.
UK Approves Sleep Onset Insomnia Treatment
On October 4, 2022, Colonis, a division of the Clinigen Group, announced that the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) had approved its melatonin 1mg/mL oral solution for the treatment of sleep onset insomnia in children and adolescents aged 6–17 years with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
A company news release claims that melatonin can help kids with ADHD and chronic sleep onset insomnia get to sleep faster and have more restful nights of sleep.
Sleep onset insomnia is common among children with ADHD (25-50%). It can negatively affect their mental health and functioning (including their ability to pay attention and behave appropriately) and their academic success.
The head of medical affairs at Colonis, Henno Welgemoed, stated, “We applaud the MHRA’s approval for a condition that negatively affects the quality of life for children and adolescents diagnosed with ADHD and increases the load for support networks.”
“Clinigen Group’s objective to give the right drug to the right patient at the right time is bolstered by this approval, which provides a valuable therapy option for children and adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and sleeps onset insomnia,” he added.
