Long term insomnia can cause serious harm to human health in various aspects and is a health issue that requires high attention. From physiological functions to psychological states, the impact of insomnia can be profound.

Firstly, long-term insomnia can significantly weaken the immune system function. Sleep is an important period for the body to self repair. Persistent insomnia can interfere with the normal secretion of immune cytokines, reduce the body's resistance to pathogens such as viruses and bacteria, and make people more susceptible to diseases. Research has shown that individuals with long-term insomnia have a significantly increased risk of developing common illnesses such as colds and flu.

Secondly, insomnia poses a particularly serious threat to the cardiovascular system. Long term sleep deprivation can lead to sustained activation of the sympathetic nervous system, causing elevated blood pressure, faster heart rate, and increased burden on the heart. Long term persistence of this condition can damage endothelial function and increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, coronary heart disease, and stroke. Statistics show that people who sleep less than 6 hours a night for a long time have a significantly higher incidence rate of cardiovascular diseases.

In terms of the nervous system, insomnia can lead to impaired cortical function, affecting memory, attention, and thinking abilities. Long term insomnia patients often experience symptoms such as slow response and memory loss, and in severe cases, it may develop into neurasthenia. Meanwhile, insomnia and emotional disorders interact with each other, which can easily lead to psychological problems such as anxiety and depression. Many patients with depression suffer from long-term insomnia, which can exacerbate their depressive symptoms and form a vicious cycle.

The endocrine system can also be disrupted due to insomnia. Lack of sleep can disrupt the body's biological clock, affect the normal secretion of hormones, and may lead to thyroid dysfunction, blood sugar fluctuations, and other problems. Women may have irregular menstruation, and everyone will face the risk of metabolic disorder, such as obesity, diabetes, etc.

In addition, insomnia can accelerate the aging process. Long term sleep deprivation can affect skin metabolism, reduce collagen synthesis, and lead to dry, rough, and wrinkled skin. More seriously, studies have shown that the average life expectancy of long-term insomniacs is shorter than that of normal individuals, and the mortality rate is significantly higher in those who sleep less than 6 hours per night.

These health hazards are interrelated and affect each other, forming a vicious cycle. Insomnia not only reduces quality of life and work efficiency, but may also trigger various chronic diseases, posing a long-term threat to personal health. Therefore, for long-term insomnia, effective measures should be taken in a timely manner for intervention and treatment.