Yoga for Insomnia

Insomnia means you regularly have problems sleeping. It usually gets better by changing your sleeping habits.

You have insomnia if you regularly:

• find it hard to go to sleep
• wake up several times during the night
• lie awake at night
• wake up early and cannot go back to sleep
• still feel tired after waking up
• find it hard to nap during the day even though you're tired
• feel tired and irritable during the day
• find it difficult to concentrate during the day because you're tired

If you have insomnia for a short time (less than 3 months) it’s called short-term insomnia. Insomnia that lasts 3 months or longer is called long-term insomnia.

Do you have a sleep problem?

Most people experience problems with sleep in their life. In fact, it's thought that a third of Brits will have episodes of insomnia at some point. 

The causes can include physical conditions, psychological conditions (such as depression or anxiety) or a combination of both.

This short test from Sleepio will give you a 'sleep score' plus practical tips and advice for improving your sleep.

How much sleep you need

Everyone needs different amounts of sleep.

On average:

• adults need 7 to 9 hours
• children need 9 to 13 hours
• toddlers and babies need 12 to 17 hours

You probably do not get enough sleep if you're constantly tired during the day.

What causes insomnia

The most common causes are:

• stress, anxiety or depression
• noise
• a room that's too hot or cold
• uncomfortable beds
• alcohol, caffeine or nicotine
• recreational drugs like cocaine or ecstasy
• jet lag
• shift work