Sleep
Actions for this page
Sleep is important for the health of our body and mind. Lack of sleep can cause fatigue, poor concentration and mood changes. Common disorders include sleepwalking, restlessness, snoring, insomnia and sleep apnoea.
Information in your language
Information in your language about
- Dummies
Dummy sucking should stop before school age to avoid teeth or mouth problems.
- Sleep - children and naps
A child needs a daytime nap until they are around 2 and a half to 3 years of age.
- Sleep - children and nightmares
Your child may have only a few scary dreams a year, or be troubled by nightmares much more often.
- Teenagers and sleep
Sleep research suggests that teenagers need between eight and 10 hours of sleep every night.
- Fatigue fighting tips
Activity and nutrition help fight fatigue and put more energy into your daily life.
- Mood and sleep
Getting enough sleep is vital. Long term sleep deficiency can affect your mood. You can improve your sleep quality.
- Sleep hygiene
You can retrain your body and mind so that you sleep well and wake feeling rested.
- Fatigue
Fatigue is a feeling of constant tiredness or lack of energy. Causes include illness, health conditions, psychological and lifestyle factors. Find out more about symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.
- Mood and sleep
Getting enough sleep is vital. Long term sleep deficiency can affect your mood. You can improve your sleep quality.
- Shiftwork
A person working the night shift is at greater risk of various disorders and accidents.
- Sleep deprivation
A fatigued person is accident prone and more likely to make mistakes and bad decisions.
- Sleep explained
Fatigue is thought to cause about one in six road accidents - make sure you get enough sleep.
- Excessive sleepiness
Hypersomnia means excessive sleepiness - it can have a number of different causes.
- Jet lag
If you suffer badly from jet lag, it may be worthwhile considering a westerly travel route if possible.
- Restless legs syndrome (RLS)
Restless legs syndrome has been described as a type of cramp, soreness or a creeping, crawling feeling.
- Sleep - common disorders
Sleep disorders can prevent some people from getting enough sleep.
- Sleep - insomnia
Around one in three people regularly have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep.
- Sleep - narcolepsy
A person with narcolepsy is extremely sleepy all the time and may fall asleep several times a day.
- Sleep apnoea
A person with sleep apnoea may wake hundreds of times every night.
- Snoring
Snoring isn't harmful but may lead to long-term sleep deprivation.
- Teeth grinding
Teeth grinding (bruxism) is involuntary clenching or grinding of the teeth, usually during sleep.
Reviewed on: 23-02-2022