I’m so anxious that I can’t remember the last time I had a full night’s sleep
DEAR DEIDRE: I CAN'T remember the last time I had a good night’s sleep. I do manage to drop off but wake up every two hours.
I am able to get back to sleep again but continue to wake up throughout the night.
I am a 46-year-old single man. I end up having only around four to five hours sleep per night, which I can manage on.
My body seems to have got used to it but I am always tired and spend my days yawning, desperate to get to bed, only for the cycle to repeat itself.
When I do wake up my body seems to be in fight or flight mode.
I think it is down to anxiety. I have been anxious for most of my life, but I am able to control it.
I try to relax to get back to sleep. Should I be worried about waking up every two hours? Should I see a doctor about my anxiety, in the hope of improving my long-term sleep?
DEIDRE SAYS: Your doctor can investigate whether there is an underlying sleep disorder or a health issue causing you to wake up during the night.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) can help with anxiety and sleep problems.
Simple lifestyle changes such as exercising, going to bed at a regular time, avoiding electronic devices, caffeine and alcohol in the evening can help.
My support pack on Sleep Problems and Living With Anxiety can help too.
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