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This page covers the definitions of sleep problems, as well as the support and resources available to you.
What are sleep problems?
Sleep problems are very common and are often referred to as insomnia. There is no “right” amount of sleep as this varies between people depending on their age. It can be distressing when you feeling you’re not getting enough sleep at night, which in turn can make it harder to fall asleep in the first place. The most common sleep problems include: getting to sleep; staying asleep; waking too early; poor quality sleep; sleeping too much but still feeling tired.
Sleep problems can occur for several reasons: emotional reasons, such as bereavement or a break-up; unhelpful surroundings, such as being too hot or cold; disrupted sleep routines, such as doing shift-work.
Not getting enough sleep can seriously impact your ability to study. Getting stressed about it makes the situation worse. Find out how to break that vicious circle with support available below.
Support at UCL
UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services are here for you. We encourage you to get in touch and access our wide range of support. Please see here for the support we can provide.
External support
- Mind
The UK's mental health charity, Mind provides a wide range of resources and guidance for those experiencing difficulties related to their sleep.
Visit the Mind page on sleep problems.- NHS
The NHS provides a number of resources to help improve sleep quality and support those experiencing insomnia.
Visit the NHS page on sleep and tiredness.
Read 10 tips to beat insomnia from the NHS.
Visit the sleep section of the Every Mind Matters campaign from the NHS.
Resources
Books on managing sleep problems
'Overcoming Insomnia and Sleep Problems: A Self-help Guide Using Cognitive Behavioural Techniques', by Colin Espie
Description: "Extensive research conducted over 25 years has established Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) as the treatment of choice for insomnia. For the first time, proven CBT principles have been brought together by a practising clinician in a comprehensive self-help manual."