Insomnia is the inability to sleep through the night, difficulty falling asleep, restlessness, and easily waking up. Everyone is at risk of insomnia, but older adults, those experiencing stress, those who consume caffeine late, and those with underlying medical conditions are at higher risk. People who experience insomnia at least three times a week for more than three months are likely to have chronic insomnia. It's advisable to seek medical attention to determine the cause and receive timely treatment to avoid complications that can lead to serious health problems.

Central nervous system:

A good night's sleep is essential for maintaining normal nervous system function. Chronic insomnia can disrupt how the body sends and processes information, making it difficult to concentrate, work effectively, and learn. The signals the body sends are slower than normal, reducing coordination and increasing the risk of accidents.

Lack of sleep also negatively affects mental capacity and emotional state. People with insomnia tend to be less patient, experience mood swings, and have impaired decision-making and creativity. Daytime drowsiness due to insomnia is very dangerous, especially when driving or working outdoors in hazardous areas.

Over time, chronic insomnia can lead to mood disorders such as depression or anxiety.

Immune system:

During sleep, the immune system produces protective substances that fight infections, such as antibodies and cytokines. The system uses these substances to fight external invaders like bacteria and viruses. Some cytokines can help the immune system function more effectively to protect the body against disease. Lack of sleep prevents the immune system from building up these defenses, making it difficult to fight invaders and slowing recovery time after illness. Poor sleep quality is also a factor that increases the risk of developing chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes.

Respiratory system:

The relationship between sleep and the respiratory system is bidirectional. Nighttime breathing disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can disrupt sleep and reduce its quality. Lack of sleep and insomnia make you more susceptible to respiratory infections such as the common cold and the flu. Sleep deprivation can also worsen existing respiratory conditions like chronic lung disease and asthma.

Digestive system:

Sleep affects the activity of two hormones, leptin and ghrelin, which control feelings of hunger and fullness. If you don't get enough sleep, the brain reduces leptin and increases ghrelin, stimulating appetite. Lack of sleep can also make you feel too tired to exercise. Over time, reduced physical activity can cause weight gain due to not burning enough calories and not developing muscle mass.

Endocrine system:

Hormone production occurs during sleep. Chronic insomnia can affect hormones like testosterone, which controls men's libido. These hormones help the body build muscle mass and repair cells and tissues, in addition to other growth functions. To produce testosterone, men need at least three hours of uninterrupted sleep. Waking up in the middle of the night can affect the production of this hormone.

Anh Chi (According to WebMD, Healthline)