"What are the most frequent causes?"

• Emotional problems such as family problems, worries at work, loss of one's partner, examination worries or intense mental work.
• Overstrain caused by working too long or too hard. Watching television for too long.
• Irregular sleeping times resulting from shift work or 'jet lag' after a long journey.
• Too heavy meals in the evening or over-indulgence in alcohol or caffeine- based drinks
• Bad sleeping conditions such as noise or bad air.
• Psychological illnesses (e.g. depression).
• Side-effects of medication (e.g. appetite suppressants).
• Misuse of sleeping pills
• Old, worn out bed coverings, underbedding and pillows.