A programme to aid sleep has been launched at Austrian destination spa, The Grand Park Hotel Bad Hofgastein. The Insomnia programme has been 18 months in the making and devised in response to customer demand.

The seven night programme includes two medical consultations, Helios sleep analysis, which uses measuring devices such as infra-red video and audio techniques to diagnose insomnia. Among other things, the machine measures EEG brainwaves, oxygen in the blood, the body’s position and breathing.

A number of relaxation techniques are used in the programme, such as massage, Tibetan bell massage, qi gong and meditation. Advice on stress reduction techniques and nutrition to improve sleep is also given.

According to Dr. Liane Weber, who is part of the programme's team: "Worry is the most commonly reported reason for sleep problems and this has certainly increased in the current economic climate."

Women are twice as likely to suffer from insomnia than men and there is a rise in sleeping disorders among teenagers and young adults.