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Struggling to sleep makes you anxious, which makes it harder to fall asleep, which makes you more anxious… the cycle continues.

If this sounds familiar, you're not alone. In stressful times when we're plugged in 24/7, we're often so wired sleep is the last thing on our minds. When it's the one thing you want to do, it's like there's nothing that will make your brain shut off so you can nod off.

Josh Fletcher, a counsellor who specialises in anxiety, is here to share some tips to help you relax and get to sleep.

Sleep helps us process memories and is good for mood, concentration and metabolism. It's essential for staying healthy, but remember: in the short-term, it's much better to rest and not worry about sleeping than it is to count the hours going by and increase stress. Follow these tips and be gentle with yourself when you're struggling to sleep.

If you regularly have trouble sleeping, you might be experiencing insomnia. If you think you need help with insomnia or other sleep problems, consider asking your GP for advice.