Sleep Problems: When Poor Sleep Becomes a Health Concern

06 Nov 2025

A bad night’s sleep every now and then is normal. But when sleepless nights become frequent, the effects can spill over into every part of life — from mood and concentration to long-term health.

Poor sleep isn’t just about feeling tired; it can be a sign of an underlying medical issue or contribute to conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and depression. Here’s how to tell when it’s time to take your sleep more seriously.

How Much Sleep Do You Really Need?

Most adults need between seven and nine hours of good-quality sleep each night. The right amount varies from person to person, but waking up refreshed and alert is a better measure than clocking a certain number of hours.

If you’re regularly waking up unrefreshed, even after a full night in bed, something may be disrupting your sleep quality.

Common Causes of Sleep Problems

1. Stress and Anxiety

Worries about work, health, or personal life are among the most common reasons for difficulty sleeping. Racing thoughts and tension can make it hard to fall or stay asleep.

2. Poor Sleep Routine

Irregular bedtimes, excessive screen time, caffeine, or alcohol close to bedtime can disrupt your body’s natural rhythm.

3. Medical Conditions

Certain conditions interfere with sleep, including:

• Thyroid imbalance
• Depression and anxiety disorders
• Chronic pain or arthritis
• Restless legs syndrome
• Sleep apnoea

4. Hormonal Changes

Menopause, menstrual changes, and low testosterone can all affect sleep quality.

If sleep issues have lasted more than a few weeks, consider booking a Private GP Consultation to identify any underlying medical causes.

When Poor Sleep Becomes a Health Concern

Occasional insomnia is frustrating, but chronic sleep deprivation can have real consequences for your health, including:

• Weakened immunity
• Higher blood pressure
• Increased risk of heart disease and stroke
• Weight gain and insulin resistance
• Impaired memory and concentration
• Mood changes or depression

Over time, poor sleep can become both a symptom and a cause of other health conditions — creating a cycle that’s hard to break without support.

How Sleep Problems Are Investigated

If you visit your GP about sleep issues, they may ask about your daily routine, stress levels, and medical history. Depending on your symptoms, they might suggest:

• Blood tests – To check thyroid function, vitamin levels, or hormone balance.
• Sleep diary – To track sleep patterns and identify triggers.
• Specialist referrals – For suspected conditions like sleep apnoea or anxiety disorders.

At South Kensington Medical & Dental, we offer Comprehensive Health Screening and Hormone Tests to help uncover factors affecting your sleep.

Practical Tips for Better Sleep

Small lifestyle changes can make a big difference:

• Keep a consistent bedtime and wake-up time, even on weekends.
• Limit caffeine and alcohol in the evening.
• Avoid screens for at least 30 minutes before bed.
• Create a dark, quiet, and cool sleeping environment.
• Try gentle exercise or relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation.

If these adjustments don’t help after a few weeks, it’s time to look deeper.

When to Seek Help

You should see a doctor if you:

• Have sleep problems lasting more than a month
• Wake frequently during the night or too early
• Feel excessively tired or irritable during the day
• Snore loudly or gasp for air during sleep
• Experience low mood, anxiety, or memory issues

A medical assessment can determine whether poor sleep is linked to stress, hormones, or another health condition — and guide the right treatment.

Final Thoughts

Sleep is more than rest — it’s a foundation for physical and mental health. If you’re struggling to get quality sleep, don’t just accept it as normal. With the right support, it’s possible to restore your energy, mood, and well-being.