The effects of inadequate sleep are many - depressed immune system, lapse of attention, slow thinking, irritability, poor memory, poor judgment, anxiety, and depression. Accidents increase and work productivity decreases.

If you suffer from insomnia, have the type and the cause assessed. There are a multitude of possible causes. Some of the more common ones are stress, depression, anxiety, pain, caffeine, alcohol, disrupted sleep-wake cycle, hormonal imbalance, breathing problems, leg twitching, and nightmares. Bad sleep habits are probably the most common cause.

At least fifty percent of all insomnia is caused by psychological issues, often stress. These issues will not be solved by sleeping medications. Sleeping pills are not meant for long-term use. One of the problems that arise with such use is rebound insomnia. Your body becomes dependent on the pills for sleep and when you stop, your insomnia gets worse for several weeks. The pills are no longer actually helping you sleep but you keep taking them because of the rebound insomnia.