The Effect Of Insomnia

The effect of insomnia can be wide ranging and can be very serious over time. We all need to sleep, some of us more than others, but no one can survive long without sleep. In this article we will examine the effect of insomnia on the average person; the symptoms, the effects and what you can do about it.

The effect of insomnia usually depends on which of three broad categories your insomnia falls under: transient, intermittent or chronic. Which of these categories you come under is largely a matter of the duration of your insomnia. The longer you have suffered the more likely it will be that you will come under the chronic category, for example.

The first two categories describe a condition that is generally temporary and not long lasting. The effect of insomnia that is transient is generally not severe. It can be little more than an annoyance - an irritation for a short time that rights itself and is soon largely forgotten.

The effect of insomnia that is intermittent is a little more worrying, it comes and goes and can usually be traced to a specific event that causes stress. This intermediate stage is not a cause for serious worry, though it should not be ignored either. Intermittent insomnia can easily lead on to chronic insomnia if not treated in time.

The effect of insomnia that is chronic in nature is serious. People who suffer from this degree of sleeplessness may have weakened immune systems making them more susceptible to all the ailments, such as colds and flu's that go around.

They also usually have slowed down reaction times making them less likely to react safely in dangerous situations. This could mean an increased risk of vehicle accident if they drive a lot in heavy traffic. The effect of insomnia when it is chronic is a general lowering of normal functions.

Depression and anxiety often accompany insomnia, and are usually the cause of it. Doctors will usually prescribe antidepressants and drugs that sedate, though this usually just masks the real problem without actually addressing the root cause. Properly treating the effect of insomnia that has become chronic is not easy and will usually take time.

One typical effect of insomnia is feeling tired all the time. You may feel like taking regular naps, but you still feel tired after doing so. You may feel sluggish and lethargic all the time and you may lack enthusiasm for doing anything, even the things that used to excite you. Life becomes a chore without any highs and your friends may start to wonder what is wrong.

There are a number of simple things you can do to offset the effect of insomnia and start you back on the road to getting a good night's sleep every night. The obvious thing is to start worrying less. Try to remove the stress in your life, especially in the evenings. Make a point, regardless of your problems, to not think about them from early evening onwards.

Try not to eat or drink too much in the evenings. Avoid alcohol if possible, as well as coffee or tea. Stimulants are often a cause of insomnia. Exercise in the early evening to try and create a feeling of tiredness. A long walk a few hours before going to bed will help a lot. Above all, try to relax and the effect of insomnia will soon be a thing of the past!