Overview
The most common sleep condition, insomnia, affects 10-15% of the general population. Insomnia has a detrimental influence on a person's job, physical, and social performance, as well as general quality of life. Furthermore, the economic impact of insomnia is substantial, owing to lost productivity, work-related accidents, absenteeism, and health-care expenses. There is growing evidence relating stress to the onset of insomnia, and research from cognitive, endocrine, neurological, and behavioral domains provides convincing support for hyper-arousal in insomnia.
However, there is no agreement on the particular etiological causes of this illness. Although the biology of primary insomnia remains a mystery, several pharmacological and behavioral therapies have been developed and shown to be effective in controlled research. Despite the widespread availability of pharmaceutical medications and greater understanding of behavioral approaches, the vast majority of people suffering with insomnia do not appear to be receiving sufficient care.
Inadequate insomnia treatment has various serious and underappreciated implications, including the development of mental disorder and increased drug use.
Sleep is as essential as maintaining a healthy diet and regular physical activity. People with insomnia report having a lower quality of life compared to those who are not insomniacs. Complications of insomnia may include:
- Poorer performance at school or on the job;
- Higher risk for accident;
- Slowed reaction time;
- Increased risk and severity of chronic conditions such as high blood pressure and heart disease.
Although a few nights of bad sleep do no long-term harm, chronic insomnia can cause a variety of health problems that includes:
- Breathing problems such as asthma;
- Mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and even suicidal tendencies;
- Heart problems like arrhythmia, coronary heart disease, heart failure, and even high blood pressure;
- Pain. People who suffer from both chronic pain and insomnia may become more aware and distressed by their pain;
- Pregnancy complications include having more painful labour, giving birth before the due date, needing a C-section, and having a baby with a low birth weight;