Some people have sleepless nights occasionally, but it is transient and infrequent so that most of the time they get a good night's sleep. However, there are many others who have chronic sleep problems that lead to insomnia.
Short term insomnia can last for one or two nights or as long as a month while chronic insomnia is altogether different and can lead to severe health issues if not treated or brought under control. Most people with insomnia have difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep for a long period of time resulting in frequent awakenings during the night.
Some symptoms of insomnia can include tiredness and irritability and a hampering of concentration levels and reduction in mental aptitude. Lack of concentration at work can affect your ability to do your job but lack of concentration while driving can have serious consequences that could affect you and others.
If sleeplessness persists you should consult a physician as these relatively minor symptoms can develop into much more serious problems that will affect your health and well-being. Insomnia can lead to heartburn, stomach ailments like indigestion or gastrointestinal problems where you have dry mouth and always feel thirsty. It can also lead to hypertension, diabetes or irritable bowel syndrome or heart disease or more serious problems.
These are all a result of the stress on the body over a lengthy period of time. With some people that could be several days while others it might be months but nevertheless it will develop into health issues that need to be treated. Long-term insomnia patients should try to develop some habits that will relieve the symptoms like drinking herbal tea before bedtime or using aromatherapy or soft music to relax their body and lull them to sleep. Taking a bath or reading are other alternatives.