There are three types of insomnia:

 1. Transient: This type can last for days or weeks. It is caused by another disorder - for example - a change in sleeping environment, timing of  sleep, depression and stress. The effects are similar to sleep deprivation.

 2. Acute: Inability to sleep well over a period of 3 weeks to 6 months.

 3. Chronic: This type can last for yerars at a time and is possibly caused by other disorders. Effects canvary according to cause - for example - sleepiness, muscular fatigue, hallucinations, mental fatigue, seeing things in slow motion.

  Issues related to insomnia include:

 Fatigue, mood swings, irritability, lack of concentration, poor memory, stomach problems, mistakes, accidents. Falling asleep at work and killing yourself or others is a major cause of death in the workplace. It can also induce depression and poor general health, as it inhibits the immune system. Insomniacs have an increased risk of depression, alcoholism and drug abuse.

 Insomnia can also cause weight gain, research published by Norwich University Hospital, in May 09, showed that tired people were consuming an extra 1000 calories a day. Getting less than six to eight hours sleep a night can increase levels of leptin, the hormone which tells you when you're full, and increase levels of cortisol, the fat storing  hormone . Thisd may result in cravings for sweet carbohydrates that end up getting stored as fat.

 Onset insomnia: Difficulty initiating sleep - this is often anxiety related.

 Middle of the night/ nocturnal waking : If you can't return to sleep once awakened/ waking too early>

 Middle insomnia: Waking in the middle of the night - difficulty maintaining sleep - often associated with pain/ medical illness.

 Terminal or late insomnia: Early morning awakening, characteristic of clinical depression.

 Some causes: Drugs, caffeine, stimulants, Sleep apnoea, life problems,. fears, stress, anxiety, mental/ physical health disorders. Try to avoid alcohol or coffee for several hours before sleep. Foods rich in carbohydrates - bananas, etc, will assist sleep.

  The solution

  Sleeping pills may provide a quick response, but they can be addictive, and will not solve the cause of the problem. Hypnotherapy can teach you the skills necessary to get a good nights sleep. Thought Field Terapy can teach you the meridian points to manipulate to create the optimal breathing pattern for sleep. Matthew has been interviewed on BBC radio over his sleep programme. Phone Matthew on 01895 810772.

 Research from Israel's Mental Health Programme, published in May 09, showed how hypnotherapy led to a vast improvement in insomnia amoungst those suffering from  combat  induced Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.