Resources
NHS Resources
The NHS provides information and support for a variety of issues relating to sleep via its website: www.nhs.uk
Search ‘Sleep’ to see all the different support it offers or use the following links
For many people registered with a GP surgery in the UK there is access to NHS commissioned Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) provided online via the Sleepstation.org.uk platform. Sleepstation are a private organisation and only some NHS commissioning regions support referrals but you can use their online ‘checker’ to see if this applies to you by going to the Sleepstation website.
Daytime Sleepiness
Excessive daytime sleepiness can be the cardinal sign of a disorder like Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA). If you know you are a snorer, wake through the night with a sense of gasping, or have a partner who notices that you have pauses in breathing whilst asleep, then OSA is a strong possibility. Please seek an appointment with your GP to discuss investigating further.
The Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) was developed to help objectively assess sleepiness and if you score more than 10 please consider seeking medical advice.
Find the scoring deatils here: Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS)
Dependence and Addiction
Dependence on substances and problematic pastimes such as gambling can have a serious detrimental impact on sleep. For support please contact your GP or search for support on the NHS website. Specific voluntary organisations that can also offer support are listed here:
Gambling
Gamcare offer free information, support and counselling for people who have problems with gambling in the UK.
They run the National Gambling Helpline (0808 8020 133) and also offer face-to-face counselling. The helpline is free and open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Drugs
Services providing counselling and support can be found through Talk to FRANK
Alcohol
If you’re worried that you, or someone you know, is drinking too much there is support available through Alcohol Change UK
Addictive behaviours
SMART Recovery can provide support and practical help for the above issues as well as any other addictive behaviour. They help participants decide whether they have a problem, build up their motivation to change and offer a set of proven tools and techniques to support recovery. They do this through teaching rational, easy to learn and self-empowering skills to help participants abstain from any addictive behaviour and to develop a lifestyle that supports sustained recovery.
They run a national network of mutual-aid meetings and online training programmes with comprehensive teaching materials and manuals.
Mental Health Crisis
If it's an emergency or you need urgent help
If you or someone else is in danger, call 999 or go to A&E now
If you need help urgently for your mental health, but it's not an emergency, get help from NHS 111 online or call 111 (choose option 2)
Your mental health is as important as your physical health. You will not be wasting anyone's time.