Sleep problems and your health

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About sleep conditions

Sleep problems are common and can be caused by a range of conditions or circumstances.

You can learn more about common sleep conditions on NHS:

Sleep issues during perimenopause and menopause

Problems with sleep are common symptoms of menopause.

You can find out more about menopause and perimenopause: symptoms, treatment and support.

How much sleep do you need

The amount of sleep we need can vary.

On average:

adults need 7 to 9 hours
children usually need 9 to 13 hours
toddlers and babies need 12 to 17 hours

Symptoms

Sleep problems can affect people in different ways.

You may have a sleep problem if you:

regularly struggle to get enough sleep
find it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep
often feel tired or sleepy during the day
wake up frequently during the night
wake up earlier than planned and can’t get back to sleep

The impact of sleep problems

Sleep problems can impact your daily life, including:

irregular sleep patterns, with no real routine
difficulty concentrating and focusing
struggling to motivate yourself
feeling less interested in socialising
reduced performance at work, school, or in daily tasks

Physical symptoms include:

feeling tired or exhausted
restlessness
low energy levels
a heavy or weak feeling that makes it difficult to get out of bed

How sleep problems can affect your mental health

If you have sleep issues it can affect your mood and emotional wellbeing.

When you're struggling to sleep, it's common to worry about how being tired will affect you the next day.

Sleep issues can also cause you to feel:

upset or depressed
tense or stressed
irritable or short-tempered
angry, frustrated, or impatient
worried or anxious

If you feel that stress, worry, or low mood may be contributing to your tiredness, support is available.

If you need urgent help with your mental health, call us on +44 (0) 1534 445290. The service is free and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Get help or support for your mental health

When to contact your GP

Book an appointment with your GP if you are having problems with your sleep and it’s affecting your daily life. It can be a sign of an underlying medical condition.

List of surgeries and GPs in Jersey

Diagnosis and treatments

Your GP will try to find out what's causing your sleep issues to help find the best treatment for you. They may refer you for further tests.

Talking Therapies

Talking therapies such as counselling or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) may help improve wellbeing and reduce feelings of fatigue.

You can self-refer into Jersey’s Talking Therapies by submitting the online form below.

Self-refer to Jersey Talking Therapies (JTT)

Alternatively you can ask your GP for advice on how to access a private therapist.

List of surgeries and GPs in Jersey

Over the counter treatments

Your pharmacist may be able to recommend sleep aids to help with short-term sleep difficulties. These treatments are generally only recommended for temporary use. They may include: