Side Effects Of Insomnia Can Be Dangerous

Insomnia affects nearly everyone at one time or another. Most of us will suffer from temporary insomnia or transient insomnia. This type of sleep disruption will last a few nights to a few weeks, and can generally be attributed to a particular event or stress. Chronic insomnia affects a smaller percentage of people, but it can be a lifelong issue for some. While insomnia is not usually a serious issue, some of the side effects of insomnia can become quite dangerous. For example, one of the side effects of insomnia can be an increased risk of having a traffic accident while commuting to work. People who suffer from sleep deprivation are generally not as quick to react in situations, which can lead to increased accidents on the job or at home as well. Side effects of insomnia can also include a difficulty keeping a job, marital stress and other relationship problems, an increase in alcohol consumption, and an overall feeling of malaise. It can also weaken your immune system, making you more prone to illness.

Treating Insomnia To Avoid The Side Effects

The good news is that you will generally not feel the side effects of insomnia right away, so one or two poor nights of sleep are really nothing to worry about. If you are beginning to see a recurrence in your sleep issue, once you address the underlying problem behind the insomnia, the side effects will disappear when sleep returns to normal. Treatment of insomnia can usually be done at home, and involves removing the stress or environmental issue that is causing the restless nights. While sleep requirements can vary from individual to individual, most of us need 7-8 hours of sleep each night to avoid the side effects of insomnia.

How To Know If Insomnia Is A Problem

There are some side effects of insomnia that can tell you that the problem is recurring to the point that you should try some treatment options. If you are tired during the day or do not feel refreshed when you wake in the morning, you are probably not getting enough sleep. If you have frequent headaches, have trouble concentrating, or are feeling irritable often, these are signs that you need more rest as well. People who suffer from insomnia might have a hard time getting to sleep, or they might wake frequently at night. Another problem of insomnia is waking much too early and being unable to go back to sleep. Treatment for these issues can range from establishing a regular bedtime routine, avoiding certain foods and beverages before retiring, and getting sufficient exercise during the day.