Insomnia is the inability to fall asleep or stay asleep, and can be short-term (situational) or long-term (chronic.) If left untreated, insomnia can take a serious toll on your body and overall well-being.

Memory and cognition
Sleep plays a crucial role in memory consolidation and cognitive function. Long-term insomnia can impair your ability to concentrate, solve problems, and retain information. Over time, this can affect your performance at work or school and reduce your overall quality of life.

Mental health impacts
Chronic insomnia is closely linked to mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. Lack of sleep can make it harder to manage stress, leading to a vicious cycle where poor sleep worsens mental health problems and vice versa.

Weight gain and obesity
Sleep loss disrupts the hormones that control hunger and appetite, leading to stronger cravings, a preference for high-calorie food, and a greater chance of overeating. This can contribute to unhealthy weight gain, obesity, and the development of type 2 diabetes. To learn more, watch Dr. Mom's video on how insomnia can impact your weight.

Type 2 diabetes
Studies show that poor sleep hampers your body's ability to regulate glucose properly. This can spike your blood sugar levels and further increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Impact on relationships
Poor sleep can affect your mood and irritability, making it more difficult to interact positively with family, friends, and colleagues. Over time, this can strain relationships and lead to social isolation.