While research into precisely why we sleep, and what happens to the body and brain while we do is ongoing, one thing is for sure and that is without sleep we don't function properly, and in some cases it can actually lead to serious illness. Studies into sleep deprivation, which simulate the kind of stresses someone suffering from acute insomnia and chronic insomnia may experience show that without sleep, systems such as our digestion, immune systems and blood pressure are all affected in a detrimental way. It seems that these processes work on a 24 hour cycle, and sleeping and waking up act as part of a time frame measurement. Sleeping problems or not being able to sleep at all lead to these systems not resetting themselves and this can result in physical discomfort such as upset digestion, headaches and weakened resistance to disease.

It is not just these delicate systems that are thrown into disarray by insomnia, but also things such as concentration and reactions, which decrease quite dramatically as a result of lack of sleep. This can be incredibly dangerous, especially if you work a job where you need to be alert and on the ball at all times. Trying to operate heavy machinery or drive become much more difficult and tiredness can and has been attributed to fatal accidents. If you find you are having trouble sleeping, then there is no harm in trying one of the many insomnia cures that are available to help you get a good nights sleep and reduce the risk of it becoming a much more serious problem.

Yet even more frustrating for people with chronic insomnia, is that it’s often very difficult to know why it is happening, and to find an effective treatment to make the problem go away and let the person truly rest.

How do you know if you have chronic insomnia?

One or two sleepless nights, or having trouble getting to sleep when you are stressed may be early hints that insomnia could be a problem down the line, but they do not themselves a diagnosis make. Chronic insomnia is a much, much more notable problem with sleep.

Different doctors may have different criteria for exactly what qualifies as chronic insomnia, but the bottom line is that, if it is causing problems in your life, then it’s a problem worth seeing your doctor about.

Treatment Options

There are several ways that doctors can attempt to treat and insomnia and help you get the sleep you so desperately need. There are several prescriptions available that may help the problem, although some may have negative side effects or may slowly become less effective over time.

Another way to address the problem is by talking with a therapist. This is effective only if it’s believed that emotional or psychological stress is a contributing factor, and that the chronic insomnia is, in fact, a symptom rather than an isolated condition.

Another thing doctors can do is to have a CAT scan to see if anything irregular is happening neurologically that would keep you from being able to sleep.

If you are unable to afford the doctor or want to try to address the problem on your own, (or if you fear you’re developing chronic insomnia and want to stop it before it arrives fully), then make sure you have a proper pillow and mattress, and that you don’t watch TV or browse the internet before you go to bed.