Why can’t I get to sleep?

You didn’t manage to finish your to do list today, you haven’t made the kids packed lunches yet and you know you won’t get round to helping your sister with her job application. You feel:

All questions are required

Drained. You decide to watch your favourite TV show to escape reality for a bit.
Overwhelmed. There isn’t enough time in the day to get everything done and you are tired of feeling behind, so you pour a glass of wine to try and relax.
Agitated. You’ve been sitting all day so you try to squeeze in a jog before running around all night trying to get everything else done.

You are in bed, but before you turn off the light or pick up your book you:

All questions are required

Browse the web on your tablet, check Facebook one more time and set your alarm.
Check your diary to make sure you know exactly what’s on tomorrow.
Do a few sit-ups – you didn't manage to do enough exercise today.

At the weekend, you find you sleep a little easier. This is because:

All questions are required

You spent the night out with friends chatting; you haven’t had such a great night in ages.
You haven’t got so many commitments tomorrow, although saying that, there is the yoga class you signed up to, and the kids swimming lessons. Plus you said you would help your friend move house… better get to sleep soon.
You went for a long walk before lunch. There’s nothing better than feeling truly physically tired, knowing you have earned your rest.

Anticipatory anxiety: why worrying about what might happen can feel worse than the event itself

One writer shares how the fear of having another panic attack took over her life, why anticipatory anxiety can leave you trapped in a cycle of ‘what ifs’, and how therapy, medication and challenging negative thoughts helped her regain control.

Suzanne Baum

18 October 202616 October 2026

Anticipatory anxiety: why worrying about what might happen can feel worse than the event itself

Neurodiversity

The ADHD bedroom brain: why it can be difficult to concentrate during sex

From being unable to focus properly to rejection sensitivity, ADHD can play havoc between the bedsheets. We ask experts why many people with the neurodevelopmental condition can struggle when it comes to having sex.

Suzanne Baum

11 October 20268 October 2026

The ADHD bedroom brain: why it can be difficult to concentrate during sex

Sleep

Yes, you can’t sleep. No, it might not be insomnia. Five possible reasons you’re not sleeping well

If you’re struggling with sleep, don’t automatically assume insomnia is the answer. Sleep expert Heather Darwall-Smith explains what else could be going on

Sally Saunders

9 October 20268 October 2026

Yes, you can’t sleep. No, it might not be insomnia. Five possible reasons you’re not sleeping well

What your body is trying to tell you when you keep waking up at 3am

If you regularly wake in the middle of the night, it may not be a random sleep problem. Your body clock could be playing a bigger role than you realise

Sally Saunders

9 October 20268 October 2026

Physical wellbeing

Why feeling like yourself again starts with the basics

Minerals can make all the difference to your overall feeling of wellbeing. Here’s where Wassen steps in.

Sally Saunders

6 October 20266 October 2026

Neurodiversity

The heartbreaking truth about ADHD and autism we still don’t understand

More than eight in 10 people with ADHD or autism say they have struggled with their mental health. Behind that statistic is a story of masking, misunderstanding and years spent wondering why life feels harder than it seems to for everyone else.

Sally Saunders

14 October 202612 October 2026

Personality

What is a ‘dark empath’? How to spot the dark triad’s more social counterpart, according to the experts

Could someone be emotionally perceptive and still treat you badly? An expert unpacks the personality profile known as the dark empath — and explains which behaviors deserve your attention.

Amy Mica Marsden

16 October 202613 October 2026

Mindfulness / Sleep

Five minutes that could change how you sleep every night

If you’re struggling to sleep, the answer might have less to do with your bedtime routine and more to do with how you spend your waking hours — especially what you do when you first get out of bed.

Sally Saunders

9 October 20268 October 2026

Neurodiversity

Could your ADHD be affecting the way you eat? We explore the lesser-known link between ADHD and eating disorders

ADHD and eating disorders overlap more than you might expect. A nutritionist explains why people with the neurodevelopmental condition may experience bulimia and binge-eating

Suzanne Baum

12 October 202612 October 2026

Take test

Tests

Test: What stops you from trusting yourself?

Discover how you make choices — and what your inner voice is asking for — with our test below!

Psychologies

13 February 20265 March 2026

Tests

Test: What’s your secret confidence saboteur?

If you know you’ve got much to be confident about but still have regular wobbles, take our test to find out what confidence saboteur is undermining your self-belief.

Psychologies

15 January 20263 March 2026

Tests

Test: What stops you doing Christmas differently?

If, despite your best intentions, you’re still stuck in a festive rut, take our test to uncover your personal barrier to ringing the changes.

Psychologies

12 December 202512 December 2025

Tests

Test: What stops you taking your needs seriously?

If you’re never at the top of your agenda, take our test to identify what’s holding you back from prioritising yourself — plus, find what steps you can take to start putting yourself first.

Psychologies

7 November 20257 November 2025

Tests

Test: What stops you getting the sleep you need?

If you dream of more restful nights, take our test to find out what is getting in the way of a good night’s sleep, and what steps to take in order to fix it.

Psychologies

10 October 202510 October 2025

Tests

Test: What’s your personal mood booster?

If it’s time to step off the emotional rollercoaster! Take our test to find your personal mood management focus and discover what will lift your mood when you need it the most.

Psychologies

8 September 20258 September 2025

Show all tests

Personality Test

You didn’t manage to finish your to do list today, you haven’t made the kids packed lunches yet and you know you won’t get round to helping your sister with her job application. You feel:

You are in bed, but before you turn off the light or pick up your book you:

At the weekend, you find you sleep a little easier. This is because:

Share this:

Related content