Cash worries hit sleep.

THE CREDIT crunch is hitting the health and well-being of people on Tyneside, research suggests.

The figures reveal 83% of people in Newcastle worry at night, causing sleepless nights, and the economic crisis is the biggest worry keeping people awake.

More than half of people in Newcastle are more worried about their finances now than they were a year ago.

And nearly a fifth are losing sleep by worrying about their personal finances.

Sleep guru Dr Neil Stanley, who has been studying people's sleep for 25 years, said: "By taking our money worries to bed we are not getting the sleep our bodies need, and so are putting our health at risk.

"Young people in the UK aged between 18 and 24 are particularly concerning. While 34% of them are missing sleep while worrying about their job and the credit crunch, an alarming 11% are turning towards sleeping pills.

"I am equally concerned about the over 55s. More than 50% admit to getting less than six hours a night.

"Getting good sleep is important in helping to live a happy, healthy life."