How much damage do sleepless nights cause? A lot. “Chronic insomnia disrupts emotional regulation, worsens psychiatric conditions like depression and anxiety, and increases the risk of cognitive decline, suicidality, and substance use due to its impact on neurotransmitter balance and the stress response system,” Dr. Sawhne says. This is why it's essential to know how to stop insomnia from returning if you've experienced it before.
Sleeping badly on the odd night is perfectly normal, but if you're regularly having issues getting enough rest, you could be experiencing insomnia. This common sleep disorder's symptoms include struggling to fall asleep, or stay asleep, waking up too early and feeling tired during the course of the following day. And if that sounds like you, you're not alone. The American Medical Association estimates that 25 to 30 million people in the US are experiencing insomnia at any one time.
