If you have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, then you have insomnia. Everybody has difficulty sleeping from time to time. Chronic insomnia is diagnosed when you experience it at least three nights a week, for more than three months. If you notice a pattern like this, talk to your doctor. Lack of sleep over a long period can cause serious health problems.
Fatigue
It’s not the same as feeling tired. Fatigue occurs when you are so tired that it interferes with your home or work life, and makes it difficult to get through the day. Chronic insomnia is one of the most common causes of fatigue. Sometimes it’s accompanied by a headache, dizziness or sore, weak muscles. Acupuncture may help. For Acupuncture Gloucester, visit purelandsacu.co.uk/acupuncture-gloucester
Feelings of Depression
Even a few nights of bad sleep can make you cranky. Longer periods of poor sleep can lead to more extreme emotions, such as anger or sadness. Chronic insomnia can eventually lead to mood disorders like anxiety or depression. In one large study, those who had insomnia were five-times more likely to develop depression than those without sleep problems.
Stress
According to the American Psychological Association, adults who sleep less than eight hours per night are more likely than those who sleep more to display signs of stress – such as feeling overwhelmed or losing their patience easily – than those who sleep for longer periods. The American Psychological Association reports that they are also more likely to report an increase in stress over the past year.
Brain Performance
The “brain fog”, which you may notice after a few nights of poor sleep, can become more serious with time. Chronic insomnia, for example, can affect your ability to concentrate, remember, and make wise decisions. In just one week, getting less than 5 hours of sleep can cause poor judgement and risky behaviour.
