EastEnders’ Michelle Collins diagnosed with ‘terrible’ chronic condition and asks fans for help

Michelle Collins has shared a frustrating diagnosis with her fans (Picture: ITV/Shutterstock) EastEnders star Michelle Collins has begged her fans for advice after being diagnosed with a chronic condition. The actress, 64, who plays Cindy Beale in the BBC soap opera, took to Instagram to reveal she’d undergone an NHS sleep survey. Sharing that she has ‘terrible issues with my sleep’, she said she’d been diagnosed with chronic insomnia, which left her feeling exhausted. ‘I finally got my results from my sleep test that I did through the NHS with the Royal Free Hospital. I’ve been waiting quite a long time,’ she said as the video began. She went on to reveal that she had no problem getting to sleep but would wake up at ‘two or three in the morning’ and was unable to drift off again. ‘I’m so fed up with taking pills; anything to get me back to sleep temporarily, and then I feel terrible the next day,’ she said. Michelle underwent testing for her sleep issues (Picture: ITV/Shutterstock) She took to Instagram to share her frustration (Picture: Michelle Collins/Instagram) As the video continued, Michelle revealed that she had to wear a monitoring device on her finger for two days. ‘It was a two-day test. I put something like a pebble on my chest and a ring on my finger, and it monitors your sleep for two days,’ she explained. When the results came back, Michelle learned the truth behind her sleepless nights. Ask Metro Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications. ‘I’m an insomniac,’ she exclaimed. ‘I’m a chronic insomniac!’ ‘And that is it – I have no respiratory issues. Nothing to do with my heart, nothing at all,’ she added. ‘I’m just an insomniac, and there’s nothing really they can do.’ Michelle plays scheming Cindy Beale (Picture: BBC) Insomnia explained According to the NHS, you might have insomnia if you regularly experience the following symptoms: You find it hard to go to sleep You wake up several times during the night You lie awake at night You wake up early and cannot go back to sleep You still feel tired after waking up You find it hard to nap during the day even though you’re tired You feel tired and irritable during the day You find it difficult to concentrate during the day because you’re tired Insomnia can sometimes present in short bursts – during extreme periods of stress or anxiety. However, insomnia that lasts 3 months or longer is officially classified as long-term insomnia. Michelle also said that doctors had suggested that her sleep problems may be related to the menopause, suggesting mindfulness and therapy as potential treatment. ‘Is anyone else in my situation?’ she asked her 180k followers – many of whom had offered words of comfort after the loss of her beloved Shih Tzu earlier this year. ‘How do you deal with it? I mean, it’s really hard, isn’t it? It’s so, so hard,’ she continued. ‘I’m back to square one, really,’ she finished. ‘It’s learning to live with it, really. Any ideas out there? Who else is suffering from the same? Is it mostly a female thing? I don’t know. Tell me.’ In the caption to the video, Michelle also added that she was already using hormone replacement therapy and told fans not to suggest that she stop taking it. In the comments below, EastEnders co-star Harriet Thorpe – who plays Cindy’s frenemy Elaine Peacock – commented a string of heart emojis. Michelle begged her followers for help (Picture: ITV/Shutterstock) The NHS say that insomnia can be treated with sleeping aids which can contain the ingredients valerian, lavender or antihistamines. However, the site notes that none of the above can cure insomnia but rather help improve sleep for one to two weeks. In some cases, those afflicted may be referred to a sleep clinic if other disorders – such as apnoea – seem to be present. Other suggested treatments include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), which can help change the thoughts and behaviours that prevent sleep. According to Healthline, the exact cause of primary chronic insomnia is unclear but can be due to an underlying condition or problems with sleep hygiene. Deals of the Day The best Black Friday beauty deals on the Dr Barbara Sturm face cream and hyaluronic serum The best Black Friday sleep deals to upgrade your bedroom with Simba’s 33% off sale Why shoppers are rushing to snap up this 99p Audible deal before Christmas 14,500 five-star reviews later, this cult sleep spray is discounted for Black Friday Shoppers ditch expensive dental work for these £19.99 MySweetSmile whitening strips Arrow MORE: Craig doomed in explosive Sean revenge as EastEnders spoilers reveal what happens next Arrow MORE: EastEnders ‘confirms’ who is shot as huge hint is dropped Arrow MORE: Chaotic Lee gets even worse as EastEnders spoilers reveal what happens next The Soaps Newsletter – Daily All the latest soaps spoilers and gossip, in your inbox every morning.