Sleep 5

The previous two posts have been about self-help for insomnia. It can take up to 4 weeks for improvements in sleep hygiene to be effective, but if they haven’t helped by then you may need professional help to tackle your insomnia. This week I will cover what help is out there for you.

  • Herbal remedies (e.g. valerian) – consult with a Medical Herbalist or speak to a Pharmacist before trying these
  • Over the counter medication - speak to a Pharmacist about what might be suitable for you
  • Counselling – your GP may be able to refer you for cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia on the NHS or you could consult with a local counsellor privately
  • Hypnosis – this can help with insomnia, so would be worth looking into (for my Berkshire clients, Karen Pounds offers this service)
  • Medication – your GP will be able to advise you on whether medication might be appropriate for your particular sleeping problem

You may also find these links to NHS Choices and The Sleep Council helpful.