Insomnia is very rarely fatal (excepting the genetic disorder called fatal familial insomnia) but it can act as precursor to conditions that could life threatening. In the United States each year there are over 200,000 automobile accidents that are directly linked to sleepiness. 1,500 deaths occur annually from such accidents.

The quality of life of insomniacs is greatly affected by their condition. As well as constantly feeling tired during the day, insomniacs experience more attention and memory problems than regular sleepers. They are more irritable and more prone to making mistakes on the job. Their family relationships are more strained than regular sleepers. They experience reduced powers of concentration. It is still unclear whether reduced sleep directly impairs one’s ability to learn.

Insomnia can be a major contributing factor leading to depression or anxiety.