Sleep problems such as insomnia can be common, and it’s normal to experience trouble sleeping at some point in your life.
However, when sleep problems become frequent or increase in intensity, they can negatively affect your ability to function on a day-to-day basis, affecting focus and memory.
Sleeping difficulties can be triggered by mental health challenges such as anxiety and low mood and, for some people, lack of sleep can worsen the symptoms of these challenges.
If you are having persistent problems with sleeping and it's having a negative impact on your life, find ways to improve your sleep.
Self-help resources
- MindWell – Take control of your sleeping problems – tips and exercises.
- Every Mind Matters, NHS – Sleep problems – guidance on getting a good night’s sleep.
- The Sleep Charity – Adult sleep – guidance on a range of sleep issues and the problems that can affect your sleeping.
- NHS – Insomnia – information about symptoms and treatment for insomnia.
- NHS Inform – How do I sleep better? – self-help guide.
Videos
- NHS – Sleep problems (YouTube) – a doctor explains a self-help method for those experiencing sleep problems.
Apps
Books
The following books are available from the University Library:
- ‘Insomnia doc’s guide to restful sleep: remedies for insomnia and tips for good sleep health (lack of sleep or sleep deprivation help)’, Kristen Casey, 2023.
- ‘Sleep better: the science and the myths’, Graham Law, Shane Pascoe, 2017.
- ‘The natural sleeper: a bedside guide to complementary and alternative solutions for better sleep’, Julie Wright, 2021.
- ‘Retrain your sleep brain: evidence-based CBT-I strategies to end chronic insomnia, stop sleep anxiety, and restore natural patterns without medication’, Hades Kishi Whitaker, 2025.