Struggling with a broken night’s sleep is a universal experience, and it can be difficult to know how to get back to sleep once you’ve woken up. Dr Maja Schaedel, clinical psychologist at the Sleep Disorder Centre at Guy’s Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, explains that waking up during the night can be caused by physical or psychological reasons. A lack of sleep can negatively impact your health and wellbeing, leading to mood and behaviour changes. To help you get a better night’s sleep, consider keeping a sleep diary, avoiding clock watching, removing devices from the bedroom, and coming to terms with your thoughts. You could also try progressive muscle relaxation, getting up and doing something relaxing in another room, or focusing on the present moment. Remember, sleep is essential for your overall wellbeing, so it’s worth taking the time to find a technique that works for you.
