Sleep is essential, enabling the body to repair the wastages of the day and to replenish energy. People vary in their requirements, but a good working minimum is eight hours for an adult- children need longer, and the elderly need perhaps only fie or six hours. Sleeplessness is common, but often due to simple causes.

First make sure your bed is comfortable. Expense on good mattress is well repaid. Bedclothes should be warm but not heavy; in this respect a duvet is useful. Bonuses include easier bed making for back sufferers and reduced house dust for asthmatics. The room should be ventilated, never draughty, and as quiet as possible. Try to relax when you go to GED. It is no use taking the worries of the day to bed and expecting sleep put your worries aside, make yourself comfortable, and make a conscious effort to relax. For those troubled by sleeplessness, heavy meals and stimulating drinks such as tea or scoffed should be avoided at nightl Insomnia due to worry can often be fcured by getting up, having a biscuit and / or milky drink, and returning to bed more comforted. A long walk late in the evening is a good way of winding down (Here a dog comes in handy!)

People require less sleep as they grow older and should not worry if they find that they are sleeping less. Winston Churchill is and example of a man who is said to hai taken little sleep but nevertheless achieved great things and lived to agreat age. If bereavement or anxieties are making the sleepless hours a misery, see your doctor who may be able to treat the underlying cause or prescribe a milk non-habit forming sedative. Retired people often like an hour or two’s rest after lunch and then stay yup later. In some instances worrying over insomnia has a more serious effect than the complanint!