Is insomnia ruining your work life?

Professor Chris Idzikowski, the director of the Sleep Assessment and Advisory Service and author of Learn to Sleep Well believes there is no easy solution to the problem of insomnia. 'The main culprit is shift work and there is not much that can be done about it,' says Idzikowski. 'On average, shift workers sleep one and a half hours less per day than people who are on a fixed working day. It has proved very difficult to enforce legislation to regulate working hours and most companies don't have the time or the money to address the problem.'

Effects and solutions
Lack of sleep can lead to mood swings and depression and can also affect the part of the brain that improves memory and learning. There is also a more serious and potentially life-threatening consequence. The investigations into disasters such as Chernobyl and the grounding of the Exxon Valdez found that individuals suffering from lack of sleep were partly to blame for those tragedies. Falling asleep at the wheel is one of the most common causes of road accidents in the UK, particularly among overnight shift workers.

Those who suffer from insomnia and lack of sleep often delay seeking help until it's too late. Says Idzikowski: 'We usually get calls from people who are really suffering and in the process of giving up work because the stress of not getting enough sleep has become too much. It's important to do something about insomnia much sooner than that.'

Professor Idzikowski advises insomniacs to 're-learn' how to sleep properly.

• Insomniacs should use their beds only to sleep - get out of bed and do something else if you can't drop off.
• Cut down on stimulants like caffeine and don't eat or drink alcohol too late at night.
• By keeping regular sleeping hours and going to bed and waking up at the same time every day your body will ease itself into a sleeping programme.
• Regulate the temperature of your sleeping environment - it shouldn't be too hot or cold.
• Give up smoking - smokers generally find it more difficult to sleep soundly.

If you are suffering from lack of sleep and it's affecting your work you can contact the Sleep Assessment Advisory Service 028 92622266 or visit the website at www.neuronic.com.

Chat to other insomniacs and find sleep solutions on the Insomnia & Sleep Problems messageboard.

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