1. Slideshow Pictures: Insomnia -- 10 Tips to Avoid Insomnia
2. Sleep Slideshow: Foods That Help or Harm Your Sleep
3. Sleep Quiz: Test Your Medical IQ

Medical Author:

Aparna Ranjan, MD

Coauthor:

Angela Gentili, MD

Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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The outlook for primary insomnia is good if the person adopts good sleep habits. It is important to note that one's health is not at risk if one does not get 6 to 8 hours of sleep every day and that different people have different natural sleep requirements. However, the following have been associated with insomnia:

• Increased risk of death is associated with short sleep lengths.
• Insomnia is the best predictor of the future development of depression.
• Increased risk exists of developing anxiety, alcohol and drug use disorders, and nicotine dependence.
• Poor health and decreased activity occur.
• Onset of insomnia in older persons is related to decreased survival.

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