Every night, thousands of us are left tossing and turning, unable to get to sleep. Those strange hours between midnight and dawn stretch out, and nothing seems to help. Before you know it, the light is seeping through the curtains. What happens to that lost time - and what can you do to help?

We asked some of our favourite writers to share their insomnia diaries. AL Kennedy finds solace in the glow of a laptop screen, Chuck Palahniuk explores a double life as dusk falls, while Naomi Alderman finds sometimes it's just about surviving the night. Richard Wiseman has tips on how to finally get that elusive night's rest.

Are you a member of the wide awake club? What do you do when you can't get to sleep? We would like to see your photos of the witching hour, the poems you write to help you pass the time, tips you can share on nodding off, and any other creative responses to insomnia – perhaps you've even made a film?

You can share your photos, words or videos by clicking on the blue 'Contribute' button or by downloading the free GuardianWitness app – if you happen to be whiling away the hours on your phone.

We will publish the most interesting contributions on the Guardian site.

• GuardianWitness is the home of user-generated content on the Guardian. Contribute your video, pictures and stories, and browse news, reviews and creations submitted by others. Posts will be reviewed prior to publication on GuardianWitness, and the best pieces will feature on the Guardian site.