• Question: What are the main causes of insomnia,and is there permamant treatment available?

    Asked by jfowler7 to Bob, Katie, Nisha, Sallie on 6 Jul 2012.
    • Photo: Sallie Baxendale

      Sallie Baxendale answered on 6 Jul 2012:


      Insomnia can happen for lots of reasons. If something has gone wrong with the brain it can affect sleep patterns and the ability to fall asleep or stay asleep – this kind of insomnia needs to be investigated by a specialist doctor.
      But most forms of insomnia are due to anxiety and are not permanent. If you are worried and wound up about stuff then the brain finds it really difficult to switch off – this is because it is reacting to a threat and thinks it would be a bad idea for you to sleep, so it keeps you awake. If you dont sleep one night and then sleep during the following day your sleep patters can get really messed up. The best way to combat insomia is to learn relaxation techniques to help you unwind, go to bed and get up at regular times throughout the week, avoid alcohol and make sure that the room that you are sleeping in is quiet and dark – this normally sorts out the problems for most people within about 2 weeks.

      PLEASE vote for me to help me raise awareness of epilepsy in schools. I’d like to run a poster competition – look at my profile to find out more – there’s a chance for you to win £100.

    • Photo: Bob Bonwick

      Bob Bonwick answered on 6 Jul 2012:


      I cannot add to anything to what Sallie has put – Except for..t VOTE FOR ME!!!

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