People feeling anxious about getting a good night’s sleep “need to let go of the pressure” to achieve it, a leading author and therapist has said.

On The Pat Kenny Show today, Fiona Brennan said sleep should not be something worried about, that it’s “innate” and “in your control when you prioritise it”.

Research has shown that up to 80% of the adult population in Ireland doesn't get enough sleep, with sleep anxiety being a leading cause.

Ms Brennan said we need to sleep thinking about it so much.

“If we acknowledge that our sleep is actually better than we give it credit for, we get what’s called sleep faith,” she said.

“Sleep faith is knowing that sleeping is innate; we are breathing, our hearts are beating and we’re not thinking about it.

“When you let go of the pressure and worrying about it - sleep comes to you.

“It’s empowering to know that, no matter the challenges you have.”

Lifestyle

Ms Brennan said a lifestyle change may be needed to improve sleep.

“A good night’s sleep starts from the moment you first open your eyes in the morning,” she said.

“We need to tweak our lifestyle, our mindset, and be proactive in doing things to ensure we get a good night’s sleep.

“That’s what I think is so positive about it that there’s so much that can be done to help it - it’s in your control when you start to prioritise it.”

A 5am clock face in focus with an exhausted man sleeping in bed. Picture by: Caeri Hiraman / Alamy Stock Photo

The sleep expert said routine is key.

“The first one is to go to bed at the same time and wake up at the same time, roughly every day,” she said.

“You want to get a regular routine so that the body loves it.

“It sounds boring but believe me it’s actually not boring, you have energy, you have health and you have wellness.”

Unwind

Ms Brennan said finding something to help your mind unwind at night is key to a good night's sleep.

“You need to ask yourself what helps you unwind at night; for some people, it’s reading, journaling or meditation, she said.

“It doesn’t matter what it is, you just need something to help your mind unwind.

“Otherwise, it’s like a Formula 1 race car it’s that busy and that doesn’t work, the thoughts will keep coming in.”

Fiona Brenna's new book, Sleep Well: Eight Habits to Help You Fall Asleep, is on sale now.

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Main image: A woman struggling to sleep. Image: Dmitry Marchenko / Alamy Stock Photo