BERKSHIRE residents are struggling to sleep with one in five qualifying as suffering from insomnia, research shows.

Almost half of the Berkshire population consider themselves poor sleepers, with one in five having trouble with their sleep five or more nights a week.

One fifth has experienced sleep problems for more than three years with one in ten suffering for more than 10 years.

Despite this, 7 out of 10 Berkshire residents have never sought help for their sleep problems, instead, putting up with the effects such as low energy levels, feeling irritable, trouble concentrating and regular headaches.

Difficulty sleeping is the most common mental complaint in the UK and poor sleeping affects an average of one in three adults.

The biggest cause of poor sleep in Berkshire is stress, with general anxiety, worries about future events, stress over personal life and relationships and stress at work topping the poll.

Sleepio, an online sleep improvement program, is being offered to residents across the Thames Valley for free on the NHS without the need for a prescription or GP referral.

To observe the scale and impact of the area’s sleeping area, Sleepio and the Oxford Academic Health Science Network carried out the research.

A lack of quality shut eye during the night means people in Berkshire are struggling to stay awake the rest of the day. At least 1 in 10 have fallen asleep in the cinema, theatre, on public transport or at work. Some have even fallen asleep during sex.

Lack of sleep doesn’t just increase feelings of fatigue during the day. Long term sleep deprivation can have more serious consequences such as increasing the risk of diabetes, obesity, heart disease and high blood pressure. Concerning then that almost a quarter of poor sleepers in Berkshire weren’t aware of the longer term risks of poor sleep.

An estimated 12 million prescriptions for sleeping pills are prescribed annually at an estimated cost of £65m to the NHS.

Professor Colin Espie, Sleepio co-founder, said: “On average 10-12 per cent of the UK population don’t get enough sleep, but in the Thames Valley, the stats are worryingly high with three quarters of people sleeping less than seven hours per night.

“Chronic insomnia needs to be taken seriously, as it can exacerbate conditions such as anxiety and depression, as well as weaken the immune system.

“Sleepio provides clinically proven cognitive techniques and a personalised daily schedule to improve sleep, empowering users to take back control.

“We hope poor sleepers in the Thames Valley will take advantage of the free programme and improve their sleep without the need for pills or potions.”

To visit Sleepio's website click here.