Did you know, a consistent lack of sleep can make your decision-making similar to that if you were drunk? Whether you need to perform for exams, your job, be alert for lectures or nail those meetings, we’ve got you covered here at Healthwords with tips on how to perform at your best. Read on to find out why you need at least 7 hours to perform your best and how to stay awake and alert when you need to.

Insomnia occurs in one-third of the UK population and can have a significant negative impact on someone’s day-to-day life. This article explores what insomnia is and what to do if you have it.

We have all been told sleep is important, but did you realise to what extent? Here are some shocking facts about sleep that may make you want to dive right into bed and get those recommended 7-9 hours!

Sleep is really important can have a direct impact on your health. Getting a good "night’s" sleep during the day can be challenging for anyone working night shifts. Here at Healthwords we've done a fair few night shifts ourselves, with one team member racking up more than a years worth of night shifts over the last 6 years of work in the hospital. So here are our top tips on how to give yourself the best chance of getting some good rest during the day.

Insomnia means low-quality sleep. It is very common with around one-third of people in the UK suffering from it. Insomnia can occur in many different forms, from difficulties falling to sleep, staying asleep, waking up too early without being able to get back to sleep, or not feeling refreshed from sleep. It leads to significant symptoms in the daytime such as tiredness, difficulties concentrating, and sometimes problems controlling your emotions. Because everyone is unique, the amount of sleep someone requires to function their best varies from person to person and also tends to decrease with age, so there is no set criteria to diagnose insomnia. The diagnosis is made from what a patient describes, the symptoms they experience, and their doctor’s expertise and opinion. The majority of adults need between 6 and 9 hours of sleep per night in order to function well in the daytime, and the average range of time taken to fall asleep is between 10 to 30 minutes. It is normal to wake up from time to time at night so don’t worry if you do and try not to look at a clock as worrying and clock-watching can make getting back to sleep harder. Insomnia is more common in women and older people. The main causes are poor sleep routine or habits (known as sleep hygiene), a loud or light sleeping environment, stress, substance abuse, caffeine or alcohol use, and certain mental health or physical health conditions that can affect sleep.

Many people today face challenges with sleep due to their busy lives. For those seeking a solution, melatonin has emerged as a popular choice worldwide. Melatonin is a hormone naturally produced by the body's pineal gland and is known for regulating sleep patterns. However, understanding its availability and usage in the UK requires navigating specific regulations and considerations. Understanding Melatonin: Melatonin offers hope for those struggling with sleep disorders, providing relief for issues like insomnia or disrupted sleep patterns. In the UK, its regulated status ensures it's used safely and responsibly under healthcare professionals' guidance. By understanding melatonin's role and working closely with healthcare providers, individuals can explore effective solutions for achieving restful sleep. Melatonin, often called the "sleep hormone," is a critical player in the rhythm of our body's internal clock, which is known as the circadian rhythm. This rhythm acts as our biological timekeeper, regulating various bodily functions, including sleep-wake cycles, hormone production, and metabolism. It orchestrates when we feel sleepy and alert, helping to synchronise our sleep patterns with the day and night cycles. When evening approaches and darkness falls, a signal is sent to our brain's pineal gland, prompting it to ramp up melatonin production. This surge in melatonin levels serves as a biological cue that it's time to wind down and prepare for sleep. As melatonin levels rise, our bodies feel more relaxed, tired, and ready to transition to rest. External light cues don't just influence melatonin secretion; our internal body clock also influences it. This internal clock helps anticipate when melatonin production should increase daily, ensuring that our sleep-wake cycles remain synchronised with the 24-hour day-night cycle. In addition to its role in promoting sleep, melatonin also plays a part in other essential functions within the body. It acts as a potent antioxidant, helping to scavenge harmful free radicals and protect cells from oxidative damage. Moreover, melatonin has been implicated in regulating immune function, supporting cardiovascular health, and modulating mood and cognitive function. Disruptions to our natural melatonin production can occur due to various factors, such as exposure to artificial light at night, irregular sleep schedules, or certain medical conditions. These disruptions can interrupt our circadian rhythm, leading to sleep disturbances, fatigue, and other health issues.

Snoring is often described as a loud sound that occurs when you sleep. As you breathe in and out, air flows past the relaxed tissues in your throat. These relaxed tissues can partially block the airway and cause vibrations. Snoring is very common and not often related to anything more serious. The biggest complaint from snoring is often from the person’s partner. Snoring is more common in men than women and occurs commonly in people who are overweight. Being overweight or having larger tonsils can cause narrowing of the airways which also can lead to snoring. If you have any nasal problems like congestion or a family history of the medical condition obstructive sleep apnoea or you drink alcohol, you are also at higher risk of snoring.

What is sleep? And why is it so important? Well, around a third of your life is spent sleeping and it is as necessary for survival as water and food. We'll explain here about the cycles of sleep and why we need them.

Quality sleep is essential for overall health and well-being, playing a crucial role in physical, cognitive, and emotional functioning. However, for millions of people worldwide, achieving restful sleep can be challenging due to sleep disorders such as sleep apnoea. In this article, we will delve into the complexities of sleep apnoea, exploring its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options.

Why is sleep important? Well, around 1/3 of your time is spent sleeping and it is as necessary for survival as water and food are. Optimising sleep can help you exercise better, improve your self-control and be all-around healthier. Here are our top tips for getting a great night's kip.