Insomnia and its Effects

We spend more time sleeping than any other activity in our lives. Sleep is important to restoring our physical and mental well-being. If you are not able to get regular, good quality sleep; your ability to think, speak and concentrate will be seriously reduced.

Sleep deprivation caused by insomnia affects the body, mind and all aspects of your life. Insomniacs feel very tired, fatigued, and reduced energy and reflex levels. Mental abilities are also affected by insomnia. Our ability to learn, remember and concentrate are reduced when we don’t get a good night’s sleep.

Insomnia also affects your everyday life. Your performance level in the workplace drops when you are sleep deprived. Your mind becomes sluggish and it is easier for you to loose concentration. Lack of attention, dizzy spells and mood changes are other effects experienced during the day after having a sleepless night. Some insomniacs become irritable and flare up for no reason, it may lead to emotional problems and depression. In cases of chronic insomnia that lasts for a long period of time, people can experience hallucinations.

If you suffer from insomnia, driving and operating machinery can be very dangerous. Families and colleagues find it very difficult to cope with someone who does not get a good night’s sleep. If allowed to go untreated for an extended period of time, insomnia can lead to other physical and psychological illnesses.

When it comes to insomnia, doctors say many at home remedies actually make insomnia symptoms worse. In a 1995 poll, 7.9 percent of respondents said they used alcohol to help them sleep. Alcohol and antihistamines may compound sleep deprivation issues. Many over the counter sleep aid medications are not meant for long term use and are not appropriate for the more chronic forms of insomnia. Unfortunately, many over-the-counter medications are addictive if used for more than a few days. People using these medications gradually develop a tolerance and the dosage must be increased in order to get the same results. Stopping the medication leads to withdrawal and sometimes “rebound insomnia.” Rebound insomnia is frequently worse than the condition was prior to using the medication.

When to call the doctor

If your insomnia lasts for more than four weeks, or if it begins to interfere with your daytime activities and your ability to function, you need to see a doctor right away. In chronic cases, insomnia may be a symptom of another medical or psychological problem. In order to properly treat insomnia, you may first need to treat any other underlying medical issues.

When to go to the hospital

Usually, you will not need to be hospitalized for insomnia. However, accidents brought on by the effects of insomnia may land you in the hospital. If you experience worsening pain or increased difficulty breathing at night, you will need to seek immediate medical attention.

How to treat it naturally

For more information about all-natural sleep aids, visit MedGen.com, a holistic health company that offers a multitude of unique and refreshing approaches to treating sleep troubles.