The survey which was conducted by the Mental Health Foundation and involved 5,300 individuals, found that 60 per cent of the adults questioned admitted to having sleep problems with only 39 per cent managing to get a proper nights sleep.
Experts now fear that the problem constitutes a major public health concern and have warned that some may find their sleeplessness leads to depression, lack of concentration and inability to carry out everyday tasks.
The report found that those who suffer from insomnia are four times more likely to suffer from issues in their relationships, are three times more likely to be moody or have difficulties concentration and are twice as likely to have energy slumps.
The Mental Health Foundation believe insomnia is a ”neglected health concern” which they have attributed largely to job and money worries which tend to keep us lying awake at night. It is now calling for sleep campaigns to spread awareness of the importance of a good night’s rest and has also recommended that GPs receive training to assure they can better diagnose those with sleep problems.
Experts have said adults need approximately five hours of sleep each day for optimum concentration and function, though the exact amount will vary from individual to individual.
If you are struggling frequently to obtain a decent nights sleep and feel it is beginning to affect your everyday life then it is essential you visit your GP who will be able to provide you with professional support. Many who are suffering from some form of sleep deprivation find that hypnotherapy is a very useful tool for them. To find out more about hypnotherapy for insomnia please visit our online fact-sheet.
