Last updated on 23 September 2025 by Brisbane Livewell Clinic Editorial Team
Insomnia can affect your life in multiple ways. It keeps people awake for the better part of the night. It results in irritation, tiredness, low productivity and a number of other issues, both social and medical. The Sleep Health Foundation in Australia found that one in every three individuals suffers at least a mild form of insomnia. Considering the prevalence of insomnia and how it can affect several aspects of an individual’s life, it is becoming a major health risk.
Here are 5 ways insomnia can affect your life:
Impaired judgment
Sleep deprivation often results in an inability to make the right choices. Those with insomnia may think that they have adapted to the condition. However, even if they are as productive as others, it still decreases a person’s mental alertness. When making a decision, such individuals fail to rationalise their choice, often resulting in incorrect judgment.
Changes in appearance
Dark circles and puffy eyes are all too common among insomniacs. If a person remains deprived of proper sleep for long, their overall skin appearance changes well. Fine lines and loss of lustre are a result of the decrease in growth hormones involved in tissue repair. These hormones are usually released during sleep, the lack of which can make the skin look unhealthy.
Weight gain
Weight gain is common among people who do not get enough sleep. Longer waking hours result in an increased appetite which can lead to weight gain. Digestion may also be affected by sleep patterns.
Mental health struggles
An inability to get normal, routine sleep for a long time can affect your mental health. Studies have shown that mental health problems such as depression and anxiety are common among individuals who get less than six hours of sleep. Furthermore, diagnosis of these problems is also much more likely in insomniacs than in people able to get normal sleep.
Life expectancy
Long term Insomnia can affect your life expectancy in a number of ways. For instance, an increase in weight can lead to high sugar and/or blood pressure. It may eventually lead to heart disease. Additionally, impaired judgment can often put the lives of these people at risk. It can potentially result in decreased immunity, making you more susceptible to infections.
We understand how difficult it can be to live with insomnia. However, you don’t have to fight alone.
5 Natural Approaches to Overcoming Insomnia
1. Establish a Consistent Sleep Routine
- Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends.
- Create a calming pre-sleep routine, such as reading or meditating, to signal your body it’s time to rest.
- Limit screen time 1-2 hours before bedtime to reduce blue light exposure.
2. Optimise Your Sleep Environment
- Keep the bedroom cool, quiet, and dark to support better sleep.
- Use blackout curtains, white noise machines, or an eye mask if needed.
- Invest in a comfortable mattress and pillow that support proper spinal alignment.
3. Adopt Relaxation Techniques
- Practice mindfulness meditation or deep breathing exercises to calm the mind.
- Engage in progressive muscle relaxation to ease physical tension.
- Consider aromatherapy with calming essential oils like lavender or chamomile.
4. Focus on Nutrition and Hydration
- Avoid caffeine and heavy meals close to bedtime.
- Include magnesium-rich foods like nuts, seeds, and leafy greens to promote relaxation.
- Herbal teas, such as chamomile or valerian root, can help prepare the body for sleep.
5. Exercise Regularly but Strategically
- Engage in moderate physical activity during the day, such as walking, yoga, or swimming.
- Avoid intense workouts close to bedtime as they may interfere with relaxation.
- Stretching or light yoga in the evening can help relieve tension and prepare the body for rest.
These natural strategies can promote better sleep patterns over time. For persistent insomnia, consulting with a Naturopath or sleep specialist may provide additional tailored solutions.
Visit one of our Naturopaths, who can help you discover the root causes of your insomnia.
