Can You Die From Insomnia? (2021)

Your insomnia cannot directly kill you. However, when left unchecked, insomnia does have serious physical repercussions and can lead to a shortened life expectancy. If you're suffering from insomnia, there are some things you can do to manage your symptoms and decrease the frequency of your nightly wake-ups.

What is insomnia?

Insomnia is a treatable sleep disorder that impacts a person's ability to stay asleep. As a result, the person receives a reduced amount of sleep and experiences chronic fatigue in their daily life. There are several different types of insomnia:

• Acute insomnia, which lasts 1-3 days.
• Chronic insomnia, which lasts up to 3 months.
• Onset insomnia, referring to difficulty falling asleep.
• Maintenance insomnia, meaning a difficulty staying asleep.
• Comorbid insomnia, a type of insomnia that runs concurrently with another disorder, like depression or anxiety.

What are the most common causes of insomnia?

There's no single cause that determines whether a person will suffer from insomnia. Often times, it has to do with lifestyle. However, it's possible your insomnia could be a sign of a more serious condition. Some causes of insomnia include:

• Lifestyle. This could be anything from the food you eat to the room you sleep in, and can typically be managed through small, simple changes. ‍
• Mental health. It's possible your insomnia is a result of your mental health. People who suffer from conditions such as depression, bipolar disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder are at an increased risk of also experiencing episodes of insomnia.
• ‍Physical health. Your insomnia could be caused by your physical health. Certain conditions, such as chronic pain, diabetes, or respiratory illnesses are known to cause insomnia.

Health effects of insomnia

Long-term insomnia can cause acute and sometimes chronic health effects. Some of the most common are:

• Sleep deprivation
• Depression
• Immune system deficiency
• Obesity
• Seizures
• Stroke
• Asthma

Can insomnia kill me?

In short, no. But insomnia is a serious disorder, which, if left unchecked, can have major repercussions on your overall health and well-being. While insomnia can't directly kill you, it's long-term risk factors such as sleep deprivation, obesity, and immune system decay has adverse effects on your health and could lead to a shortened lifespan.

What are ways I can treat my insomnia?

While the battle with insomnia can feel useless, there are several lifestyle changes you can make to best ensure a good shot at a restful night's sleep. These include:

• Relax before bed.
• Reduce screen time on your computer/mobile devices.
• Change your sleep environment. This is one of the most important things you can do as an insomniac that can help reduce the frequency of your wake-ups!

Will a new mattress help with insomnia?

Whether you were diagnosed with insomnia years ago or you only suspect you may have this disorder, you've likely tried everything. It might be time to really consider your sleep environment. Many people go years without considering their mattress. But as we grow older, our bodies change. Replacing your old, uncomfortable mattress is a step in the right direction toward improving your overall sleep quality, and your health.

The #1 Best Mattress For Insomnia

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