Sleep Disorders

Shiela Lupiba

Sleep Disorders

When we sleep, our bodies go through many steps. When you are asleep, you are unconscious, but your brain and body still work. You can stay healthy and do your best if they do a lot of important things for you. There are many more things that happen when you don’t get enough good sleep. It can affect your physical and mental health, your thinking, and how you do things every day.

What is Sleep Disorder?

Sleep disorders are a range of conditions that impair one’s capacity to sleep adequately on a consistent basis. Sleep disorders are becoming increasingly widespread in the United States, whether they cause by a medical condition or by excessive stress.

Over one-third of adults in the United States Trusted Source report getting less than 7 hours of sleep in a 24-hour period, according to the National Sleep Foundation. More than 70% of high school students, according to a Trusted Source survey, report getting less than 8 hours of sleep on weekday evenings.

Also, stress, hectic schedules, and other outside influences are all factors that contribute to sleep disorders in the majority of people. It is possible that a sleeping disorder is present when these symptoms begin to occur on a regular basis and begin to interfere with everyday activities.

Moreover, in 1979, the American Sleep Disorders Association published the first classification system for sleep disorders. Over the last four decades, we’ve learned more about sleep and how it impacts us. Sleep disorders are now classified based on their etiology, symptoms, physiological and psychological effects, and other factors. There are about 100 distinct sleep disorders identified. The majority of sleep disorders, on the other hand, characterize by one or more of the four symptoms listed below:

• You have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.
• You find it challenging to maintain your alertness throughout the day.
• There are irregularities in your circadian cycle that make it difficult to maintain a regular sleep pattern.
• You are prone to engaging in strange habits that cause you to lose sleep.

Furthermore, any of the indicators listed above could be indicative of a sleep disorder. We strongly advise anyone experiencing any of these symptoms to seek medical attention immediately.

Types

There are more than 80 distinct types of sleep disorders to choose from. The following are some examples of significant types:

• Insomnia

Insomnia is inability to sleep. It causes excessive daytime sleepiness. It is first determined if there are other sleep disorders, pharmaceutical side effects, substance abuse or unknown conditions. Chronic psychophysiological insomnia induces by a fear of not sleeping. Troubled folks may sleep better. Anxiety and depression are treated with sedative-hypnotics or sedating antidepressants.

• Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy is an excessive daytime sleepiness (including bouts of uncontrollable sleepiness) and sudden muscle weakness. A strong emotion or a surprise might cause narcolepsy-like muscular paralysis. “Sleep attacks” are narcolepsy episodes that come unexpectedly, like while walking or doing other strenuous activities. To lessen the possible impact of narcolepsy on an individual’s life, stimulant medicines combined with behavioral therapy such as regularly planned naps may be beneficial.

• Restless Leg Syndrome

Repetitive leg cramps is intense “creeping” sensation in the lower legs, commonly accompanied by aches and pains in the entire leg. This is often connected with difficulty falling asleep and can be relieved by walking or kicking the leg. In many cases, RLS is associated to dopaminergic neurotransmitter dopamine disorders. To treat RLS, doctors commonly combine a therapy to correct the underlying dopamine imbalance with a sleep aid to maximize benefits.

• Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea may cause snoring and interrupted sleep. Obstructed and nonrestorative sleep might cause excessive daytime sleepiness. Sleep apnea etiology influences treatment. Other medical conditions, such congestive heart failure or nasal obstruction, may help relieve sleep apnea symptoms. Some studies suggest that gentle nasal continuous positive airway pressure devices can treat sleep apnea. Occurrence of sleep apnea symptoms should be taken seriously. Seek medical advice.

Insomnia

A person with Sleep Apnea Apparatus

Causes

There are a variety of factors that contribute to different types of sleep problems, including:

• Cardiovascular illness, lung disease, neurological diseases, and pain are among the other conditions that can be found.
• Also, depression and anxiety are two examples of mental diseases.
• Medicines/Genetics
• It is possible that the cause is unknown.

Besides these, there are several more variables that might lead to sleep disorders, including;

• Caffeine and alcoholic beverages
• Working on an irregular schedule, such as the night shift, is not advisable.
• Aging. Individuals over the age of sixty-five frequently experience less sleep or spend less time in the deep, peaceful stages of sleep. They are also more easily roused from their slumber.

Symptoms

The degree and kind of sleeping disturbance have an impact on the symptoms that manifest themselves. They may also differ if the sleep issue causes by another condition other than insomnia.

However, the following are some general signs and symptoms of sleep disorders:

• sleeping difficulties (both falling and keeping asleep
• weariness during the day
• irregular breathing patterns during the day, strong desire to nap during the day
• While going asleep, you may experience odd or uncomfortable cravings to move. You may also have unusual movement or other experiences while asleep.
• alterations in your sleep/wake schedule that are accidental
• Impaired performance at work or school due to irritation or anxiety; inability to concentrate Depression
• gaining in weight

Treatments

Treatment for sleep disturbances might differ based on the type of disorder and the underlying reason. However, it is usually a combination of medical therapies as well as dietary and lifestyle modifications.
Also, medical treatment for sleep disruptions may include any of the following procedures or medications:

• sedatives and tranquilizers
• Supplements containing melatonin
• Medication for allergies or colds, as well as drugs for underlying health conditions
• surgery or the use of a breathing apparatus (usually for sleep apnea)
• a mouth guard to protect the teeth (usually for teeth grinding)

Consult your doctor if you believe you may be suffering from insomnia, sleep apnea, or another type of sleep disturbance. In many cases, lifestyle modifications or other treatments can be used to manage sleep disturbances.

For example, your doctor may suggest you to do one of the following:

• Adapt your sleeping environment or sleeping patterns.
• Use relaxation techniques such as meditation or other methods of self-calming.
• Submit to a sleep study, also known as a polysomnogram, in order to determine the root reason of your sleeping problems.