Sweet dreams

Are you one of the estimated four million Brits who complains of insomnia? Chronic lack of or poor-quality sleep can have a devastating effect on our health, as well as how we feel and how we look. If avoiding caffeine, using black-out curtains and going to bed and waking up at the same time every day hasn't helped, try one of the following suggestions.

W10 Ladbroke Rooms This airy centre just off Portobello Road offers neurolinguistic programming (NLP) and hypnotherapy to help with stress- and anxiety-related sleep problems, plus a wide range of body therapies, such as massage and reflexology to aid relaxation. 8 Telford Road, W10 (020-8960 0846).

SW18 The Studio Acupuncturist Christine Hall treats all kinds of sleep problems, specialising in women who have problems sleeping during pregnancy or who have developed poor sleeping patterns after the birth of a child. 517 Old York Road, SW18 (020-8870 0566).

SE1 Guy's and St Thomas's Sleep Disorder Centre One of the few sleep clinics in the country --this centre deals with all types of sleep problems - neurological, respiratory, and stress-related disorders. St Thomas' Hospital, Lambeth Palace Road, SE1 (020-7928 9292, ext 6867). www.guysandstthomas.nhs.uk. W1 The Hale Clinic Therapist Deborah Mitchell uses Lia Therapy (a combination of lymphatic drainage, incandescent massage and acupunture) to treat insomnia. The treatment is performed on the face and shoulders. During the session Mitchell claims the brainwave cycles drop from 22 cycles per second (stressed) to 11 cycles per second (dream state). It also helps to calm and rebalance the hormones in the brain responsible for sleep. As it releases collagen and elastin in the face, it also helps to reduce dark circles and puffy eyes. A one-hour treatment costs £125. 7 Park Crescent, W1 (08701 676 667). www.haleclinic.com.

Online: The Sleep Council The importance of a good bed for a good night's sleep cannot be underestimated. If you're having problems sleeping and think your bed could be part of the problem, get online to order a copy of the Sleep Council's Bed Buyers' Guide. www.sleepcouncil.com, brochure line 01756 792 327.

Helpline: Medical Advisory Service This charity-run helpline is manned by nurses Mon-Fri 6pm-8pm. They'll listen to your problem, whether it be insomnia, snoring or sleep apnoea. If they can't help, they will transfer you to the appropriate organisation. Call 020-8994 9874.