Until about 100 years ago, we worked hard physically, went to bed when it got dark and got up when it was light. In this way we went to bed unconfused by changes in our body clock, and physically rather than mentally exhausted. Our worries centred more on the health and lives of our families and putting food on the table rather than some of the more complex issues that keep us up. Often, when we should be winding down the brain is still active and stimulated so it becomes difficult to rest and relax. This can lead to ‘lifestyle insomnia’, where sleeping difficulties result from a full, busy and stressful lifestyle.