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If you have problems sleeping, you may find it affects you during the day. For example, you may find it difficult to concentrate on your work. Older people with sleep problems may be more prone to falls.

No one can say whether your insomnia will go away, or whether you'll continue to have this problem. There hasn't been much good-quality research.

Insomnia (poor-quality sleep) sometimes lasts a long time. But it can also come and go.¹

There hasn't been much research on how poor sleep can affect your health and life. But you may have:

• A poorer quality of life
• More chances of an accident because of sleepiness during the day.

Sleeping well can make a big difference to your overall health and how you feel about life.

Long-lasting sleep problems may make you depressed, forgetful, and make it hard to think clearly, especially if you are older (over 65). This can put you at risk of having a fall or needing to be looked after in a residential home.^{2 3} So it's a good idea to ask your doctor for help if you have long-lasting sleep problems.

This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment. ©BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2008. All rights reserved.