LIVING WITH INSOMNIA: GET A GOOD NIGHT'S SLEEP

Most people know the dangers of drinking an driving, but think nothing of getting behind the wheel after a sleepless night. The daytime effect of no sleep can hinder your driving skills to the point where you're impaired the same as if you've had too much to drink. According to experts, chronic insomnia affects one in 10 people. While insomnia can affect your safety and the quality of life during the hours you're awake, it can also increase your risk for a variety of other health problems. In addition to causing daytime fatigue, insomnia increases your risk for other health problems, including:

HEART DISEASE

HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE

INFECTIONS

OBESITY

DIABETES

DEPRESSION

PAIN

INTESTINAL PROBLEMS

EARLY DEATH

People with insomnia are twice as likely as well-rested people to have a car crash due to fatigue. They're eight times more likely to have an accident at work. If they have an injury, insomnia can slow their recovery. In addition, people with insomnia are more likely to:

MISS WORK

MAKE BAD DECISIONS

TAKE MORE RISKS

HAVE TROUBLE CONCENTRATING

BE IRRITABLE

BE DEPRESSED

EAT FOODS HIGH IN CALORIES

Sleep affects our ability to think, react, remember, and solve problems. The catch is that we may develop some tolerance to lack of sleep and aren't aware how much our alertness and performance is really suffering. Make an appointment with your doctor so that he or she can assess your symptoms. If you have trouble going to sleep or staying asleep, tell the doctor. There are effective treatments for insomnia including cognitive behavioral therapy and medication. These can greatly improve how you feel and function during the day.

source: http://www.webmd.com/