• Inability to fall asleep   
• Waking up throughout the night and not being able to get back to sleep   
• Waking up too early   
• Symptoms including tiredness, irritability, mood swings and lack of concentration are commonly experienced during the day due to lack of sleep  
  

Occasional and temporary disturbance of one's regular sleeping pattern is normal and not cause for concern – stress, worry or excitement are common causes, and generally normal sleeping habits return when the cause is resolved.

Sleeping patterns may also be disrupted by changes in routine – for example international travel, changes in working hours, or sleeping in a different environment to the one you’re used to.

Environmental factors such as noise, light or poor ventilation may also contribute to insomnia.

Amongst the many physical ailments that can interfere with your sleep are disorders of the cardiovascular, respiratory, urinary, digestive, endocrine and nervous systems.  It is also common for conditions associated with chronic pain to cause insomnia.

The sleep disorder sleep apnoea may cause disturbed sleep by obstructing the airways, forcing you to wake up repeatedly during the night in order to obtain enough oxygen. Sleep apnoea is associated with being overweight, drinking alcohol, taking sleeping tablets, and having nasal or sinus problems. It may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and other health problems, so if you are concerned that you or your partner may be affected, it is important that you talk to your doctor.

Insomnia, sometimes in conjunction with night sweats, can also be one of the symptoms of menopause. In men, it may occur if benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) causes the need for frequent night-time urination. 

Caffeine, alcohol, nicotine and certain drugs may also increase the likelihood of developing insomnia. Examples include some blood pressure medications, nasal decongestants  and certain recreational drugs.

• Valerian has traditionally been used to aid relaxation and provide temporary relief of insomnia and disturbed sleep patterns. It improves sleep quality amongst habitually poor and irregular sleepers. A suitable dose is equivalent to 2 g (2000 mg) of dried root taken an hour before bed. 
• If worry, tension or mental over-activity are interfering with your sleep, consider taking the herbs passionflower, lemon balm and hops, which are traditionally used to relieve insomnia. 
• St. John’s wort may be of help if you are experiencing low mood or anxiety. 
• Helping your body to cope with stress during the day may result in better sleeping patterns at night. Try taking a supplement containing the B-group vitamins and vitamin C, as the body’s requirement for these nutrients increases during times of stress. Ideally, choose a formula that also contains passionflower, which is traditionally used to relieve anxiety, restlessness and nervous tension.