Insomnia
Why trying harder to sleep can make sleep more difficult
How short-term sleeplessness can become a persistent cycle, and why CBT-I is more than sleep hygiene.
- Read time
- 6 minutes
- Sources
- NHS, AASM
- Last reviewed
- September 2026
Sleep library
Read for orientation,
not self-diagnosis.
Sleep symptoms overlap. These notes explain useful distinctions and established treatments in plain language.
Each article names its sources. None can replace a clinical history or tell you which diagnosis applies to you.
Sleep apnoea
When snoring needs more than reassurance
Breathing pauses, daytime effects, home testing and the limits of symptom-spotting.
5 minute readDaytime rhythm
Why regular wake time matters after a bad night
Morning light, activity and a stable rising time help anchor the sleep-wake system. Sleeping late after a difficult night can reduce the pressure for sleep the following night.
Source: NHS insomnia guidance
Other symptoms
Not every sleep problem is insomnia
An urge to move the legs, frightening behaviours during sleep, body-clock shifts and repeatedly falling asleep in the day point to different questions.
Further reading: restless legs, excessive sleepiness