Don’t Sleep on the Dangers of Untreated Insomnia

Nothing feels worse than tossing and turning all night knowing you have an important day on the horizon. Even if there isn’t anything you’re dreading the following morning, you may still find yourself wide awake while the birds are beginning to chirp. The health complications of this repetitive failure to get adequate rest at night, or untreated insomnia, can be life-threatening.   

The Inside Scoop on Insomnia 

While it would be great to give you an inside scoop on Insomnia Cookies, unfortunately, we’ll be discussing the details regarding insomnia, the sleep disorder.  

Luckily, it’s not a complex condition to comprehend. Insomnia is when a person has trouble either falling asleep or staying asleep. However, there are more details that correspond with different types of insomnia and how different people are impacted by the condition. 

There are two categories that most people fall under. The first category is acute insomnia, which causes relatively short-term difficulties in sleep. Factors that can contribute to this include “stress at work in adults, family pressures, or a traumatic event” according to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute.  

This same institution describes the second category, or chronic insomnia, as insomnia that lasts for beyond a month. Factors that can contribute to this include arthritis, respiratory issues, or drug interactions, meaning that chronic insomnia is typically the side effect of another health-related issue. 

Not-so-fun fact: Women have double the risk of developing insomnia than men, per Sleep Advisor.

Don’t Sleep on the Dangers 

Although thinking about the dangers of untreated insomnia won’t help you fall asleep at night, it could potentially save your life. 

The short-term dangers, while unpleasant, are easier to identify compared to the long-term dangers. These day-to-day effects can range from feeling constantly tired during the day, to undergoing frequent mood swings, to having trouble concentrating and remembering details.  

The cumulative impact of not getting enough sleep at night is more serious and must be addressed sooner rather than later. 

The long-term effects can lead to a host of health complications, which can include a combination of the following: 

Cardiovascular Issues:  

Diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, etc. 

Obesity + Associated Issues:  

Increase in weight, diabetes, metabolic disorder, lower back pain, joint injuries, etc. 

Mental Health + Mood Issues:  

Anxiety, depression, aggressive behavior, lack of motivation, etc. 

Cognitive Issues:  

Poor decision-making, learning difficulties, memory impairment, etc. 

Sadly, the list goes on. If you or a loved one are experiencing insomnia, we hope it inspires you to consult with a medical professional.