The effects of lack of sleep, known as insomnia, are the most common classification of sleep disorders. It is estimated that thirty to forty million Americans have difficulty staying asleep, falling asleep or waking up earlier than they would like, and are unable to fall back to sleep. Most people believe this is just part of life, and poor sleep quality continues to erode the quality of life that could be achieved. This seems to be a silent threat that people don't seem to take seriously and which could be managed by learning to manage stress, taking melatonin, regular exercise, medicine or even surgery. Research on youth and adults has found that insomnia can affect a person's behavior; such as violent to lethargic behaviors, including physical health complications. It is an important issue and should be given more consideration considering the severity of the condition. Insomnia; It is also known as sleep deficiency or sleep deprivation. People with this condition tend to suffer from inadequate sleep and be a candidate in the battle against depression. Other symptoms are poor concentration and may be involved in car accidents; from a lack of concentration. Having problems with sleep deprivation for prolonged periods of time; it can cause a person some sort of health dilemma, both mental and physical. (Harvard Medical School) Sleep deprivation alters the production and action of some hormones, reducing the secretion of thyroid-stimulating hormone and increasing its blood levels, which occurs especially during the afternoon and evening hours. Higher cortisol levels are characteristic of much older individuals and are thought to be linked to age-related health problems, such as insulin resistance and memory complications. (University of Chic...... middle of paper ...... ut autistic regression: Sleep in autism. Journal of Sleep Research, 20(2), 338-347. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2869.2010 .00882.xHarvard Medical School (n.d.). Sleep and Disease Risk |. Retrieved April 11, 2014, from http://healthysleep.med.harvard.edu/healthy/matters/consequences/sleep-and-disease-riskLINCCWeb in catalog (March 2008). Retrieved April 11, 2014, from http://dx.doi.org.db04.linccweb.org/10.1586/17446651.3.2.269 Lack of sleep alters hormones, metabolism, simulates effects of aging. - The University of Chicago Medicine Retrieved April 11, 2014, from http://www.uchospitals.edu/news/1999/19991021-sleepdebt.htmlUniversity of Maryland Medical Center (2013, May 7). University of Maryland. Retrieved April 11, 2014, from http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/supplement/melatonin.