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No longer a rare occurrence, insomnia affects many people each year. The good news is many of the sufferers are suffering only temporary. Those who occasionally deal with temporary insomnia can almost always link their lack of rest to a specific life event or something stressful occurring in their life.

Those who deal with insomnia that lasts longer than a few nights here and there, may struggle with the problem for weeks. Sometimes, persistent insomnia can go on for months or years! Those who are familiar with chronic insomnia know exactly how bothersome the side effects of insomnia can actually be.

Prior to dealing with the side effects of insomnia, determining the kind from which the individual suffers is a key component. Generally speaking, there are three major kinds of insomnia and sufferers usually consistently fall into one category. They either fail to fall asleep at all; they may fall asleep but awaken again intermittently every hour or two, or lastly they may fall asleep and remain asleep for a period of three hours or slightly more, only to awaken after that time and not find it possible to return to sleep.

Those who suffer from insomnia often seek out over-the-counter medication for help. Sadly, most sleep aids found over-the-counter don’t address each form of insomnia, but only focus on helping you get to sleep. Sufferers who can fall asleep but can’t stay asleep often find themselves still waking in the night, with increased tiredness from the pills.

Headaches and a difficulty in concentration are the most noted side effects by those suffering with insomnia. Combining these two side effects with an overall irritability can produce difficult relationships in both the social and professional world of the insomniac. The insomniac may not want their condition to interfere or relate to their relationships, but it can be nearly impossible most of the time.

When an insomniac has run out of natural energy reserves, chronic insomnia becomes a dangerous condition. The lack of sleep may cause problems with driving and reacting to traffic situations even as a pedestrian. The sufferer may find that she or he is at a heightened risk of becoming involved in a traffic accident.

Sometimes insomniacs become aware that their insomnia is affecting their personal and professional behavior, and they take unwise action. Often, they may attempt to make up for the lack of sleep, their poor concentration and moody nature by using drugs and other stimulants. Sadly, many of these drugs and stimulants are not healthy and can poorly affect many other possible existing conditions the insomniac may be experiencing.

Often insomniacs will try to get a good night’s sleep by “self-medicating” with alcohol or recreational drugs. The danger in this type of practice is incredible for the insomniac and their loved ones. The good news is there are many treatments out there which help those who have trouble sleeping, gain the rest they badly need.