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Complications

By Mayo Clinic staff

Sleep is as important to your health as a healthy diet and regular exercise. Whatever your reason for sleep loss, insomnia can affect you both mentally and physically. People with insomnia report a lower quality of life compared with people who are sleeping well.

Complications of insomnia may include:

  • Lower performance on the job or at school
  • Slowed reaction time while driving and higher risk of accidents
  • Psychiatric problems, such as depression or an anxiety disorder
  • Overweight or obesity
  • Poor immune system function
  • Increased risk and severity of long-term diseases, such as high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes
Preparing for your appointment Risk factors
References
  1. Bonnet MH, et al. Overview of insomnia. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Dec. 15, 2008.
  2. Insomnia. National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/inso/inso_all.html. Accessed Dec. 15, 2008.
  3. Wilson JF. In the clinic: Insomnia. Annals of Internal Medicine. 2008;ITC1.
  4. Wolkove N, et al. Sleep and aging: 1. Sleep disorders commonly found in older people. Canadian Medical Association Journal. 2007;176:1299.
  5. Ramakrishnan K., et al. Treatment options for insomnia. American Family Physician. 2007;76:517.
  6. In brief: Your guide to healthy sleep. National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/sleep/healthysleepfs.pdf. Accessed Dec. 15, 2008.
  7. Cole C, et al. Sleep disruption in older adults. American Journal of Nursing. 2007;107:40.
  8. Insomnia. National Women's Health Information Center. http://www.womenshealth.gov/faq/Insomnia.cfm. Accessed Dec. 15, 2008.
  9. Your Guide to Healthy Sleep. National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/sleep/healthy_sleep.pdf. Accessed Dec. 15, 2008.
  10. Bonnet MH, et al. Types of insomnia. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Dec. 15, 2008.
  11. Bonnet MH, et al. Diagnostic evaluation of insomnia. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Dec. 15, 2008.
  12. Whitworth JD, et al. Which nondrug alternatives can help with insomnia? The Journal of Family Practice. 2007;56:836.
  13. Lamberg L. Despite effectiveness, behavioral therapy for chronic insomnia still underused. JAMA: The journal of the American Medical Association. 2008;300:2474.
  14. Bonnet MH, et al. Patient information: Insomnia treatments. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Dec. 15, 2008.
  15. Bonnet MH, et al. Treatment of insomnia: Pharmacologic therapy. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Dec. 15, 2008.
  16. Wolkove N, et al. Sleep and aging: 2. Management of sleep disorders in older people. Canadian Medical Association Journal. 2007;176:1449.
  17. Bonnet MH, et al. Treatment of insomnia: Nonpharmacologic therapy. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Dec. 15, 2008.

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Jan. 8, 2009

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