The Hidden Costs of Insomnia

Tossing and turning, ups and downs, watching the hours pass on the clock...

Your body and mind are both exhausted, but you're still laying awake for yet another night of no sleep.

This has happened more times than you would like, but you can't seem to get back to a healthy sleeping pattern.

Could you be suffering from insomnia?

Insomnia involves having a hard time falling or staying asleep throughout the night. These non-sleeping episodes can come and go, last for a short term of roughly three weeks or can become a chronic issue.

The average night's sleep in the United States, until hundred 130 years ago when light bulbs were invented, was nine hours a night. We're now down to just under seven hours, which is like a 30% pay cut to your body.

What damage is not getting enough sleep doing to your health?

In addition to causing fatigue, not getting enough sleep has been shown to cause an average six and a half pound weight gain. This occurs because sleep regulates hormones that control weight and appetite, such as leptin and growth hormone.

In addition to feeling tired all the time, poor sleep has also been shown to cause pain, poor immunity and a fuzzy brain.

How can you get back to a soothing sleep routine?

Jacob Tietlbaum, MD, joins Dr. Holly to discuss the hidden costs of insomnia and how to get back into a healthy sleep routine.